The song of the day for Wednesday, July 1, 2020, is “Close Enough For Love.”

About Today

We were saddened to learn this morning that the composer and arranger Johnny Mandel had died at the age of 94. Mr. Mandel worked with Tony Bennett several times over the years, perhaps most famously for Bennett’s recording of “The Shadow of Your Smile,” from The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Johnny Mandel had a very successful career, starting out as an arranger for big bands before composing for films and television programs.

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If Johnny Mandel had just composed “The Shadow of Your Smile” – one of the most beautiful songs I have been honored to record – it would have been enough to earn his standing as one of the finest composers of our time. https://t.co/20TCwAJ7oU

Obituaries:

• New York Times
• Los Angeles Times
• Washington Post
• Billboard

About This Song

Johnny Mandel and Paul Williams wrote “Close Enough For Love” in 1979. It was first recorded by Peggy Lee on her album of the same name. Although Mandel and Williams are well-known for their work as film composers, this song was not composed for film. It is a favorite of jazz vocalists; in addition to the Peggy Lee and Tony Bennett recordings, it has also been recorded by Shirley Horn and Andy Williams.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Close Enough For Love” in 2004 for his album The Art Of Romance. Mr. Mandel arranged and conducted the orchestra.

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