The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Gone With The Wind

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, is “Gone With The Wind.”

About This Song

“Gone With The Wind” (not to be confused with the book and film Gone With The Wind) was written in 1937 by Allie Wrubel and Herb Magidson. Alec Wilder notes in American Popular Song that “these exceptional songs from competent but unexceptional writers fascinate and plague me. For if they could write one sensitive, inventive, exceptional song, why not more?” Wrubel and Magidson may be lost to songwriting history, save this rather wonderful song with its timeless feel.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Gone With The Wind” in 2004 for The Art of Romance, released 20 years ago on November 19, 2004. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“Gone With The Wind,” 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 Tuesday, August 6, 2024, is “The Shining Sea.”

About This Song

“The Shining Sea” was written by Johnny Mandel and 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 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: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Monday, July 1, 2024, is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About This Song

“The Shadow of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster in 1965 for the 1965 film The Sandpiper, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (and was my late mother’s favorite movie). It was filmed, beautifully, in Big Sur on the California coastline. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” on September 26, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. The pianist for this recording was Jimmy Rowles.

“The Shadow of Your Smile,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Emily

The song of the day for Wednesday, Jaune 5, 2024, is “Emily.”

About This Song

“Emily” was written in 1964 by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer for the film The Americanization of Emily, starring James Garner and Julie Andrews. The film is set in London in 1944. Emily, played by Julie Andrews, lost her husband, brother and father in the war and finds herself attracted to Charlie Madison, played by James Garner. The film was very well received and is a personal favorite of both of the lead actors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Emily” on December 28, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, which was released in 1966. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Emily,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Little Did I Dream

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 15, 2024, is “Little Did I Dream.”

About This Song

“Little Did I Dream” was written by Johnny Mandel and Dave Frishberg in 2003. Mandel’s melody was based on song Mandel wrote in 1950 called “Hershey Bar,” that was first recorded by The Stan Getz Quartet.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Little Did I Dream” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker, Bennett’s pianist and musical director, wrote the arrangement; Johnny Mandel conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

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