The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Shadow Of Your Smile

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 11, 2023, is “The Shadow Of Your Smile.”

About This Song

“The Shadow Of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster as the main love theme from 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow Of Your Smile” on September 26, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. It was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel.

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

I found this video of Bennett singing today’s song. Sorry, I don’t know the name of the program or the date:

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Song of the Day: I Remember You

The song of the day for Saturday, July 1, 2023, is “I Remember You.”

About This Song

“I Remember You” was written by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer in 1941 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 his album The Art of Romance. It was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

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

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

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Thursday, June 15, 2023, is “Days of Wine and Roses.”

About This Song

“Days of Wine and Roses” was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for the 1962 film of the same name, starring Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. This movie is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of Remick and Lemmon to stop drinking. There are scenes in this film that I know I will never forget; it is a true masterpiece. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Days of Wine and Roses” on December 29, 1965, for his masterful The Movie Song Album, released in 1966.. Larry Wilcox wrote the arrangement and Johnny Mandel conducted the orchestra.

“Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as The Movie Song Album is available on Apple Music.

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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.