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 Friday, April 13, 2018 is “I Won’t Dance.”

About This Song

“I Won’t Dance” was originally written in 1934 by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and Otto Harbach, for a London musical called Three Sisters, though the show was 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. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement,

I Won"t Dance

Listen to I Won"t Dance on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga · 2014


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

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

The song of the day for Friday, January 26, 2018 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! The impeccable arrangement was written by Marion Evans, who still writes arrangements for Tony Bennett.

Can"t Get Out Of This Mood

Listen to Can"t Get Out Of This Mood on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


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

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Song of the Day: Exactly Like You

The song of the day for Monday, November 6, 2017 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. Even though Fields’ lyrics for the song are very fine, the early recordings of the song were mostly instrumentals, such as that by Louis Armstrong. 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 2002 for their album dedicated to songs associated with Louis Armstrong: A Wonderful World. The musical director was Lee Musiker and Peter Matz conducted the orchestra.

Exactly Like You

Listen to Exactly Like You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, k.d. lang · 2002


“Exactly Like You,” as well as Exactly Like You, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Won’t Dance

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 31, 2017 is “I Won’t Dance.”

About This Song

Jerome Kern wrote “I Won’t Dance” in 1934 for a London musical called Three Sisters (with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and Otto Harbach), though the show was 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,” with the 1936 lyrics, for their album Cheek to Cheek. Marion Evans did the arrangement.

I Won"t Dance

Listen to I Won"t Dance on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga · 2014


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

About Today

Today marks the end of our recognition of Lady Gaga as our musical collaborator of the month. Stayed tuned tomorrow for a new person!

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

The song of the day for Friday, October 27, 2017 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” composed by Jimmy McHugh with lyrics by Frank Loesser, was written 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the great arrangement.

Can"t Get Out Of This Mood

Listen to Can"t Get Out Of This Mood on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


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

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