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 Wednesday, February 23, 2022, is “But Beautiful.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “But Beautiful” in 1975 for their first album, 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: Here’s That Rainy Day

The song of the day for Monday, January 31, 2022, is “Here’s That Rainy Day.”

About This Song

““Here’s That Rainy Day” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 1953 Broadway musical Carnival in Flanders, which only ran for six performances. This song, however, is quite good and has remained a popular ballad over the years. In addition to Bennett’s recording, it has also been recorded by those such as Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Steve Lawrence, Billy Eckstine, and Ann Hampton Calloway. The song is also proved a favorite of jazz instrumentalists, including Dave Brubeck, Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, and Art Pepper, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Here’s That Rainy Day” in 1972 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon arranged and conducted all of the songs on this album.

“Here’s That Rainy Day,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It Could Happen To You

The song of the day for Monday, August 16, 2021, is “It Could Happen To You.”

About This Song

“It Could Happen To You” was written in 1944 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the movie And The Angels Sing, starring Dorothy Lamour. It was first recorded by Jo Stafford. Other recordings include those by Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “It Could Happen To You” in 1958 for the album Long Ago And Far Away. Instead, I chose his 1964 version for When Lights Are Low, with The Ralph Sharon Trio.

It Could Happen To You

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“It Could Happen To You,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Swinging on a Star

The song of the day for Monday, July 27, 2021, is “Swinging on a Star.”

About This Song

“Swinging on a Star” was written in 1944 by the songwriting team of Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. It was written for the movie Going My Way, starring Bing Crosby, and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for that year. Crosby recorded a very successful version of the song in 1944. Other recordings include those by Rosemary Clooney, Burl Ives, and Ruby Braff, among many others.

This was my favorite song when I was 5 years old. I have a distinct memory of singing it, loudly, in the kitchen while my Mom was making dinner. I don’t remember how my performance was received, though I suspect I was lucky to not have been told to shut up.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Swinging on a Star” in 1998 for his album of music for children The Playground. There’s some nice work from bassist Paul Langosch on this recording.

Swinging On A Star

Listen to Swinging On A Star on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1998.

“Swinging on a Star,” as well as The Playground is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Pennies From Heaven

The song of the day for Friday, June 25, 2021, is “Pennies From Heaven.”

About This Song

“Pennies From Heaven” was written in 1936 by Arthur Johnston and Johnny Burke. Bing Crosby introduced the song in a movie of the same name. It’s one of the classic Great Depression songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Pennies From Heaven” at Carnegie Hall concert on June 9, 1962, captured on album Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Pennies from Heaven (From "Pennies from Heaven") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Pennies from Heaven (From "Pennies from Heaven") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Pennies From Heaven,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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