The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Time to Smile

The song of the day for Monday, September 7, 2026, is “Time to Smile”

About This Song

“Time to Smile” was written by Geoffrey Clarkson and Johnny Mercer in 1966, though was fairly obscure until Tony Bennett recorded it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Time to Smile” for his 2004 album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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

“Time to Smile,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Fools Rush In

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, is “Fools Rush In.”

About This Song

“Fools Rush In” was written by Rube Bloom and Johnny Mercer. Bloom wrote the song, then known as “Shangrila,” in 1936 for a production number at Chez Paree, Chicago. He wanted to have the song recorded, but the publisher balked; he liked the tune, but suggested new lyrics. Johnny Mercer wrote the new lyrics in 1940. There were several excellent recordings in 1940: Tony Martin, Glenn Miller with Ray Eberle, Tommy Dorsey with Frank Sinatra, and Harry James. It’s been widely recorded since, including a recording by Ricky Nelson in 1963, which was a big hit.

The line in the song, “Fools rush in where angel fear to tread,” was from An Essay on Criticism, written by Alexander Pope in 1711.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Fools Rush In” on April 9, 1958, for his album Long Ago and Far Away. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement.

“Fools Rush In,” as well as Long Ago and Far Away, 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, July 23, 2026, 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, Days of Wine and Roses, which starred Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. the film is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of the 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. It also won the 1964 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Days of Wine and Roses” in June 1975, for their first album The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 22, 2026 is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Munday, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

On June 12, 1942, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra came to Capitol Records to record some songs for an album. Johnny Mercer, who had recently co-founded the studio, learned that Trummy Young, who had brought his girlfriend Billie Holiday with his to the studio, and Jimmy Munday had written a new song. Mercer quickly wrote the lyrics to the song and got Whiteman to record it with Billie Holiday. She was credited as Lady Day on the recording as she was under contract with another studio.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett on Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” with Paul Whiteman.

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Song of the Day: Out of This World

The song of the day for Sunday, July 19, 2026 is “Out of This World.”

About This Song

“Out of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of “Out of This World”, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out of This World” on October 15, 1964, with an outstanding jazz quartet: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums).

“Out of This World,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.