The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Pick Yourself Up

The song of the day for Sunday, November 26, 2023, is “Pick Yourself Up.”

About This Song

“Pick Yourself Up” was written in 1936 by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields for the film Swing Time, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It was used in the early part of the film when Astaire pretends to not be able to dance and asks for Ginger Rogers as his dance instructor just so he can dance with her. This song has been widely recorded, including those by Nat King Cole, Anita O’Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Pick Yourself Up” with The Bill Charlap Trio in 2015 for the album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. It was arranged by Bill Charlap.

“Pick Yourself Up,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available on Apple Music.

Here are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to “Pick Yourself Up” from Swing Time:

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Sunday, November 19, 2023, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it 1957 for her album The Man I Love; it was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” on May 18, 1989, for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as AStoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Way You Look Tonight

The song of the day for Friday, November 3, 2023, is “The Way You Look Tonight.”

About This Song

“The Way You Look Tonight” was written in 1936 by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire in the film Swing Time; it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the year. Dorothy Fields remarked

The first time Jerry played that melody for me I went out and started to cry. The release absolutely killed me. I couldn’t stop, it was so beautiful.

Dorothy Fields was the first woman to win an Oscar for songwriting. It’s a magnificent love song that has found a strong position as a jazz standard, with recordings by Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Mel Tormé, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Way You Look Tonight” for his 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. It was arranged by Bill Charlap, who played solo piano for the recording.

The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“The Way You Look Tonight,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Song Is You

The song of the day for Sunday, October 1, 2023, is “The Song Is You.”

About This Song

“The Song Is You” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1932 musical Music In The Air. It has been widely recorded and is associated with Frank Sinatra, who recorded it with Tommy Dorsey.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Song Is You” for his 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Accompanying Tony Bennett are Renee Rosnes and Bill Charlap.

“The Song Is You,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Sunday, August 27, 2023, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it in 1957 for her album The Man I Love which was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” in May 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in February 1990. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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