The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Tony Live! Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Saturday, February 1, 2020, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Taking a Chance on Love” at his legendary concert at Carnegie Hall in 1962, captured on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the life and music of William James Basie, who was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on August 21, 1904. In addition to his fine work on the piano, Count Basie was one of best and longest-lasting big band leaders. He founded the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and that orchestra is still playing today. Some of America’s finest jazz musicians played with Basie, including Buck Clayton, Lester Young, Thad Jones, Jo J0nes, Buddy Rich, and Paul Gonsalves are just a few of former members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Harold Jones, called Count Basie’s favorite drummer, currently plays in Tony Bennett’s quartet.

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 BRoadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” in 1958 for his second album with Count Basie and His Orchestra, In Person!, released in 1959. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Taking A Chance On Love

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“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 24, 2019, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Day Dream” in 1964 with Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones. Bennett and these four fine musicians recorded several other songs, which are included on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

Day Dream – 2011 Remaster

Day Dream – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Day Dream,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 5, 2018 is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington composed “Day Dream” in 1941, with lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” in 1999 for his album of Duke Ellington songs: Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool.

Day Dream

Day Dream, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Day Dream,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Friday, March 16, 2018 is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About This Song

“Lazy Afternoon” was written for the 1954 musical The Golden Apple, which uses mythological Greek characters from Ulysses but set in the state of Washington (at Mount Olympia, of course) in the United States. This song, as well as the entire score, is quite beautiful. The songs were composed by Jerome Moss with lyrics and book by John Latouche.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Lazy Afternoon” at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. For me, the song represents the best in Tony Bennett. The Golden Apple was by no means a Broadway hit; it only ran for 125 performances. While “Lazy Afternoon” may be the best-known song from the show, I’m sure it was not especially well-known. A lot of performers might be reluctant to include a song that wasn’t in the mainstream, but Tony Bennett has always had impeccable taste in his choice of the songs he sings and this song is perfect for him and also perfect in terms of arc of this amazing concert.

Lazy Afternoon (From “The Golden Apple”) – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962

Lazy Afternoon (From “The Golden Apple”) – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962, a song by Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra on Spotify


“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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