The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

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

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


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

By Leave a Comment

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

Listen to Lazy Afternoon (From "The Golden Apple") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962


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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 29, 2017 is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn, with lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and 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 1999 for the album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool.

Day Dream

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


“Day Dream,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is happy to honor the great Billy Strayhorn, who was born on November 29, 1915 in Dayton, Ohio. He studied at the Pittsburgh Music Institute. It was during that period that he composed one of his most notable songs: “Lush Life.” In 1938, Strayhorn was introduced to Duke Ellington, who was impressed with the young man. He gave him directions to his home in Harlem and invited Strayhorn to New York. Strayhorn wrote a song to those directions–the result was “Take The A Train.” They worked together closely up to Strayhorn’s death from cancer in 1967. A few months later, Ellington recorded the studio album … And His Mother Called Him Bill, featuring songs written by his good friend. A favorite of mine from that album is Ellington’s solo of “Lotus Blossom,” which also features Harry Carney on baritone sax.

Lotus Blossom - (Remastered) [Test]

Listen to Lotus Blossom - (Remastered) [Test] on Spotify. Song · Duke Ellington · 1997

The album also includes one of Strayhorn’s last songs, “Blood Count,” which features his good friend Johnny Hodges on tenor sax. It’s an exquisite recording.

Blood Count - Remastered

No Description

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Friday, November 27, 2015 is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Day Dream,” was written by Billy Strayhorn, who shared composer credit with Duke Ellington, in 1941 with lyrics from 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 Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, released in the centennial year of Ellington’s birth. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

Day Dream

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


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

About Today

Today, The Year of Tony Bennett begins its celebration of Billy Strayhorn, who was born 100 years ago on November 29, 1915 in Dayton, Ohio. I’d like to refer to the official Strayhorn website at www.billystrayhorn.com, where you can find a wealth of information about this wonderful composer.

By 2 Comments

Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Sunday, October 5, 2014 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 and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” in 1992 for his centennial tribute to Duke Ellington: Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot and Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

About Today

Your author has been listening to a lot of Billy Strayhorn lately. Next year will mark the centennial of the birth of two great jazz artists: Billy Strayhorn and Billie Holiday. I think it’s going to be a really great year for jazz as we all look back at how both of these artists defined the genre.

Day Dream

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


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

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites