The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Won’t Dance

The song of the day for Saturday, April 6, 2019, is “I Won’t Dance.”

About This Song

“I Won’t Dance” was originally written by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and Otto Harbach in 1934 for a London musical called Three Sisters, though the show was a flop and was quickly forgotten. The following year, a film of Roberta was made, and the song was re-purposed, this time with the new Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields lyrics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I Won’t Dance” in 2014 for their album Cheek To Cheek and features a great arrangement by Marion Evans.

I Won’t Dance

I Won’t Dance, a song by Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga on Spotify

“I Won’t Dance,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

About Today

For our video this Saturday, we have Fred Astaire’s dance to “I Won’t Dance” from the film Roberta.

Fred Astaire – I Won’t Dance, from Roberta

Here’s the full “I Won’t Dance” number from “Roberta.” It starts with Fred playing what earlier in the film he calls “dirty piano.” And how about Ginger in that dress! Wow!

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

The song of the day for Sunday, March 31, 2019, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was composed by Jimmy McHugh, with lyrics by Frank Loesser, 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” for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!, which features arrangements by Marion Evans.

Can’t Get Out Of This Mood – 2011 Remaster

Can’t Get Out Of This Mood – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” as well as , is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Can’t Give You Anything But Love

The song of the day for Thursday, March 28, 2019, is “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”

About This Song

“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” was written by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Dorothy Fields (lyrics) for the 1928 revue Blackbirds of 1928, produced by Lew Leslie. The song was the first big hit for this songwriting pair. It has been a widely recorded jazz and popular standard, with recordings by Ukulele Ike, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Anita O’Day, and many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” in 2014, released that year on theird duets album Cheek to Cheek. It was arranged by Lee Musiker, with instrumental arrangements by Brian Newman, Alex Smith, and Steve Kortyka.

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, a song by Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga on Spotify

“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” as well as Cheek to Cheek, is available from iTunes.

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett wants to wish Lady Gaga a very happy birthday! We hope it’s a fabulous day for you!

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Song of the Day: I Can’t Give You Anything But Love

The song of the day for Monday, July 15, 2018 is “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”

About This Song

“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for the 1928 revue Blackbirds of 1928, produced by Lew Leslie. The song was the first big hit for this songwriting pair. It has been a widely recorded jazz and popular standard, with recordings by Ukulele Ike, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Anita O’Day and many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” at his first recording session at Columbia, held on April 17, 1950, the same recording session when he also recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Marty Manning conducted and wrote the arrangement.

I Can"t Give You Anything But Love

Listen to I Can"t Give You Anything But Love on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2011


“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” as well as all of the songs on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Thursday, May 24, 2018 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. The song was introduced in 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” in 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen!. The entire album was arranged by our good friend and fellow Alabamian, Marion Evans.

On the Sunny Side of the Street

Listen to On the Sunny Side of the Street on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“On The Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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