The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Close Enough For Love

The song of the day for Monday, May 15, 2023, is “Close Enough For Love.”

About This Song

“Close Enough For Love” was written in 1979 by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by Paul Williams. It was first recorded by Peggy Lee on her album of the same name. In addition to the recordings by Lee and Bennett, it has been recorded by many jazz and pop singers; the Shirley Horn recording on her 1989 album Close Enough For Love is especially notable.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Close Enough For Love” in 2004 for his album The Art of Romance. It was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

“Close Enough For Love,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Shining Sea

The song of the day for Friday, May 5, 2023, is “The Shining Sea.”

About This Song

“The Shining Sea” was written by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by Peggy Lee, for the 1966 Cold War comedy The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming. The film concerns a Russian submarine that gets trapped on high ground near a New England town. The town gossip causes mass hysteria, but all is well in the end.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shining Sea” on June 11, 1966, for his album A Time For Love. It was arranged and conducted by the composer Johnny Mandel.

“The Shining Sea,” as well as A Time For Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All For You

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 14, 2023, is “All For You.”

About This Song

“All For You” was written by Django Reinhardt (1940) and Tony Bennett (2004).

Tony Bennett’s son, Danny, had long encouraged his father to write a song. While performing in Hawaii, he dropped into a small jazz club and heard the Django Reinhardt song “Nuages” and felt he had found the right melody for the music he had in mind. The resulting song is lovely.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All For You” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. It was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

“All For You,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Little Did I Dream

The song of the day for Monday, February 13, 2023, is “Little Did I Dream.”

About This Song

“Little Did I Dream” was written in 2003, with music by Johnny Mandel and lyrics by Dave Frishberg. The song first appeared on Frishberg’s 2003 album Do You Miss New York< Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Little Did I Dream” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“Little Did I Dream,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Remember You

The song of the day for Friday, February 10, 2023, is “I Remember You.”

About This Song

“I Remember You” was written by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 movie The Fleet’s In (directed by the composer Schertzinger), where it was introduced by Dorothy Lamour. It is said that Mercer wrote the lyric for Judy Garland, with whom he was said to be in love. The song has been widely recorded over the decades and remains popular today. Notable recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Chet Baker, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Remember You” in 2004 for the album The Art of Romance. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“I Remember You,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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