The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, is “But Beautiful.”

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 1947 movie The Road to Rio, where was introduced by Bing Crosby. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, Nat”King” Cole, and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “But Beautiful” in June 1975 for The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“But Beautiful,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Oh! You Crazy Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, February 26, 2025, is “Oh! You Crazy Moon.”

About This Song

“Oh! You Crazy Moon” was written in 1939 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. It was the first song that they wrote together in what would be a long and successful partnership. The song has been widely recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, and Chet Baker, among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Oh! You Crazy Moon” 62 years ago on February 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and led his trio who acccompanied Bennett on this album: Sharon (piano), Hal Gaylord (bass), and Billy Exiner (drums).

“Oh! You Crazy Moon,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Second Time Around

The song of the day for Saturday, November 1, 2025, is “The Second Time Around.”

About This Song

“The Second Time Around” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1960 movie High Time, starring Bing Crosby and Tuesday Weld. In the film, Bing Crosby decides to go back to college (at the age of 51) and experiences the generation gap first-hand. But he wins everyone over and gets his degree, having a great time along the way, including falling in love with his French professor. Bing Crosby introduced “The Second Time Around” in the movie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Second Time Around” on December 27, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Al Cohn wrote the arrangement.

“The Second Time Around,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Monday, October 27, 2025, is “But Beautiful.”

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written in 1947 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the movie The Road To Rio, where it was introduced by Bing Crosby. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans, Bill Evans and Tony Bennett, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “But Beautiful” in 2014 for their album Cheek To Cheek. The guitar work from Gray Sragent is especially fine on this recording. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Cheek To Cheek won the 57th Annual Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“But Beautiful,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available on Apple Music.

We have the official video for this recording from Cheek To Cheek:

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Song of the Day: What Makes It Happen

The song of the day for Thursday, September 4, 2025, is “What Makes It Happen.”

About This Song

“What Makes It Happen” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1966 Broadway musical Walking Happy. Van Heusen and Cahn were nominated for the Tony award for Best Composer and Lyricist, but lost to John Kander and Fred Ebb for Cabaret.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What Makes It Happen” on November 26, 1966, for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“What Makes It Happen” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.