The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Friday, March 4, 2022, is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About This Song

“Lazy Afternoon” was written by Jerome Moss and John LaTouche for the 1954 musical The Golden Apple, which uses mythological Greek characters from Ulysses but is 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lazy Afternoon” in 1957 for The Beat Of My Heart. For this album, Bennett invited percussionists to play; “Lazy Afternoon” features Chico Hamilton. Ralph Sharon wrote the arragements.

“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as The Beat Of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Thursday, March 3, 2022, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, 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, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” in 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Day Dream,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 28, 2021, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written 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, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Day Dream” in 1964 with Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sex), Ron Carter (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums).

Day Dream

Listen to Day Dream on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.

“Day Dream,” as well as all of the songs on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from Apple Music.

Here’s the original 1941 recording with Johnny Hodges and Strayhorn on piano:

Day Dream

Listen to Day Dream on Spotify. Johnny Hodges · Song · 1961.

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Song of the Day: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Saturday, April 3, 2021, is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About This Song

“Lazy Afternoon” was written by Jerome Moss and John LaTouche 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Lazy Afternoon” in 1957, originally for his album The Beat of My Heart. This recording was also added to his 1962 album Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits.

Lazy Afternoon

Listen to Lazy Afternoon on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Hits, is available from Apple Music.

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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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