The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: On The Sunny Side of the Street

The song of the day for Saturday, August 10, 2024, is “On The Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On The Sunny Side of the Street” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for the 1930 Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Willie Nelson recorded “On The Sunny Side of the Street” in 2011 for Duets II. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

Duets II won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“On The Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video for this recording:

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Song of the Day: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Thursday, July 25, 2024, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for the 1942 wartime musical, Seven Day’s Leave. This torch song was introduced in the movie by Ginny Simms, with the Freddy Martin Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” on January 12, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. Evans continued to work with Bennett for many years, ending with his arrangements for Bennett’s last album, Love For Sale, released in 2021.

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: On the Sunny Side of the Street

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On the Sunny Side of the Street” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1930 for Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “On the Sunny Side of the Street” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted too.

“On the Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Exactly Like You

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, is “Exactly Like You.”

About This Song

“Exactly Like You” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1930 for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” While the reviewers were not kind to the production, the score was then, and remains still, quite noteworthy. Louis Armstrong recorded the song in May 1930. The song became popular again in 1936, with a fine recording by Benny Goodman that featured Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone, followed by the 1937 recording by Count Basie, which included the vocals by Jimmy Rushing. Later notable recordings include those by Carmen McRae (1954), Bing Crosby (1944), Patti Page (1949), Anita O’Day (1975), Nina Simone (1959) and Diana Krall (2006).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Exactly Like You” in March 2022 for their album A Wonderful World, consisting of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong. Rob Mathes and Lee Musicker wrote the arrangement.

“Exactly Like You,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available on Apple Music.

Louis Armstrong recorded “Exactly Like You” on May 4, 1930. Here’s that recording:

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Song of the Day: Exactly Like You

The song of the day for Sunday, February 11, 2024, is “Exactly Like You.”

About This Song

“Exactly Like You” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for the 1930 Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” One of the early recordings was by Louis Armstrong, followed by a fine recording in 1936 by Benny Goodman that featured Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone, followed by the 1937 recording by Count Basie, which included the vocals by Jimmy Rushing. Later notable recordings include those by Carmen McRae (1954), Bing Crosby (1944), Patti Page (1949), Anita O’Day (1975), Nina Simone (1959), and Diana Krall (2006).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Exactly Like You” in March 2002 for their album of songs associated with Louis Armstrong, A Wonderful World. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“Exactly Like You,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available on Apple Music.

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