The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Lonely Girl

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, is “Lonely Girl.”

About This Song

“Lonely Girl” was composed by Neal Hefti, with lyrics by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the 1965 film Harlow, which starred Carroll Baker. “Girl Talk,” also by Hefti, was written for the same film and was recorded by Tony Bennett in 1965 for The Movie Song Album.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Lonely Girl” in September 1976 from their second album, Together Again, released in 1977.


“Lonely Girl,” as well as Together Again, is available on Apple Music.

In case you’re interested, here is “Lonely Girl” from the Harlow soundtrack.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for December 17, 2024, the fourth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is, until Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got a delightful video of Tony Bennett singing “Silver Bells” with his quartet, with Monte Alexander on piano.

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Song of the Day: Never Too Late

The song of the day for Saturday, September 21, 2024, is “Never Too Late.”

About This Song

“Never Too Late” was written in 1965 by David Rose, Ray Evans, and Jay Livingston for a movie of the same name. In this movie, a couple in their sixties, played by Paul Ford and Maureen O’Sullivan find out that they are expecting a quite unexpected baby.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Never Too Late” on December 14, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. David Rose wrote the arrangement.

“Never Too Late,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Sunday, September 9, 2024, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was written in 1965 by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, for the movie The Oscars. The Oscars was the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, this song is terrific and was beautifully sung by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Maybe September” with Bill Evans in September 1976 for thier second album, Together Again, released in 1977.

“Maybe September,” as well as Together Again, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 19, 2023, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Orchestra, recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available on Apple Music.