The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Whatever Lola Wants

The song of the day for Saturday, June 8, 2024, is “Whatever Lola Wants.”

About This Song

“Whatever Lola Wants” was written in 1955 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross for the smash musical Damn Yankees. Based on the Faust legend, the musical is set in the 1950s in Washington, D.C., where, as usual, the New York Yankees dominated their division. A fan of the competing Washington Senators sells his soul to the devil for a long ball hitter that could help the Senators beat the Yankees. It starred Ray Walston and a young Gwen Verdon as Lola. The choreographer was Bob Fosse. Fosse and Verdon would later marry and work together for many years.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Whatever Lola Wants” on June 9, 1955, for Columbia Records All Star Pops. featuring an arrangement by Sid Feller. This recording was added to Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 for the 2011 Complete Collection release.

“Whatever Lola Wants,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Rags to Riches

The song of the day for Friday, May 17, 2024, is “Rags to Riches.”

About This Song

“Rags To Riches” was written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross in 1953. When Tony Bennett first heard “Rags to Riches,” he hated the song and was forced by Mitch Miller to record it. With a very nice arrangement by Percy Faith, the recording was a huge hit for Bennett. Thankfully, Bennett grew to enjoy singing the song. Martin Scorcese used the 1953 recording in the opening of Goodfellas, which helped find a new audience for this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Rags To Riches” on https://discography.bloggingtonybennett.com/session/march-17-1953/, with a great arrangement by Percy Faith. The recording was #1 on Billboard for eight weeks and earned Bennett a gold record.

“Rags to Riches,” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 2, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the opening of the film Goodfellas, released in 1990 and directed by Martin Scorsese:

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Song of the Day: Rags to Riches

The song of the day for Saturday, May 28, 2022, is “Rags to Riches.”

About This Song

“Rags to Riches” was written in 1953 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. When Tony Bennett first heard “Rags to Riches,” he hated the song and was forced by Mitch Miller to record it. With a very nice arrangement by Percy Faith, the recording was huge hit for Bennett and earned him a gold record. Thankfully, Bennett grew to enjoy singing the song. Martin Scorcese used the 1953 recording in the opening of Goodfellas, which helped find a new audience for this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Rags to Riches” on March 17, 1953, with a very fine arrangement by Percy Faith.

“Rags to Riches,” as well as the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 2 is available on Apple Music.

Today we’re honoring Ray Liotta, who passed away on May 26, 2022, and are remembering him from the opening of Goodfellas, where Bennett’s version of “Rags to Riches” was played.

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Song of the Day: Rags to Riches

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 31, 2021, is “Rags to Riches.”

About This Song

“Rags to Riches” was written in 1953 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. When Tony Bennett first heard “Rags to Riches,” he hated the song and was forced by Mitch Miller to record it. With a very nice arrangement by Percy Faith, the recording was a huge hit for Bennett and earned him a gold record. Thankfully, Bennett grew to enjoy singing the song. Martin Scorcese used the 1953 recording in the opening of Goodfellas, which helped find a new audience for this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Rags to Riches” at his 1962 concert in Washington, DC. Bennett’s set, are more, were captured on Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962.

Rags To Riches - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962

Listen to Rags To Riches - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2013

“Rags to Riches,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Rags To Riches

The song of the day for Saturday, June 26, 2021, is “Rags To Riches.”

About This Song

“Rags To Riches” was written in 1953 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. When Tony Bennett first heard “Rags to Riches,” he hated the song and was forced by Mitch Miller to record it. With a very nice arrangement by Percy Faith, the recording was a huge hit for Bennett and earned him a gold record. Thankfully, Bennett grew to enjoy singing the song. Martin Scorcese used the 1953 recording in the opening of Goodfellas, which helped find a new audience for this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sand “Rags To Riches” at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall, recorded and released on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Blue Velvet - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Blue Velvet - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

“Rags To Riches,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.