The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Emily

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 6, 2021, is “Emily.”

About This Song

“Emily” was written by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer for the 1964 film The Americanization of Emily, which starred James Garner and Julie Andrews and takes place 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” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album. The recording was arranged and conducted by Mandel.

Emily

Listen to Emily on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1966.

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

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Song of the Day: Baby Don’t You Quit Now

The song of the day for Monday, July 5, 2021, is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” was written in 1967 by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. In the booklet for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett collection, Tony Bennett says “This song is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s favorites, and a fun song to perform. It was written by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. It always runs through my brain …”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby Don’t Quit Now” in 1968 for the album I’ve Gotta Be Me, released in 1969. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

Baby Don"t You Quit Now

Listen to Baby Don"t You Quit Now on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1969.

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Skylark

The song of the day for Saturday, July 3, 2021, is “Skylark.”

About This Song

“Skylark” was written in 1941 by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer. Mercer is said to have worked on the lyrics for “Skylark” for a full year. It is also said that he wrote the lyrics to express his feelings for Judy Garland, with whom he had been involved. Whether true or not, the song and the lyrics are outstanding and it easily became a jazz and popular standard, with many fine recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Skylark” with Ralph Sharon at the session for the 1961 album Tony Sings For Two. The song was omitted from the original LP, but was included on the 1995 CD release of the album.

Skylark

Listen to Skylark on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“Skylark,” as well as Tony Sings For Two is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic

The song of the day for Friday, June 11, 2021, is “That Old Black Magic.”

About This Song

One of the great songs by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “That Old Black Magic” was written in 1942 and first recorded by Glenn Miller. It was also used in the 1942 movie Star Spangled Rhythm. It’s been recorded many times and used in several films, including the 1956 film Bus Stop, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe.

“That Old Black Magic” is probably my favorite Arlen-Mercer song, though just about everything they wrote together is also one of my favorites.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Old Black Magic” three times in 1962: twice with Ralph Sharon, including today’s live version from Bennett’s Carnegie Hall concert, and with Dave Brubeck live at the White House. All three are special and quite good. Today’s version is available on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall, recorded on June 9, 1962.

That Old Black Magic - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to That Old Black Magic - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 25, 2021, is “That Old Black Magic.”

About This Song

One of the great songs by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “That Old Black Magic” was written in 1942 and first recorded by Glenn Miller. It was used in the 1942 movie Star Spangled Rhythm. It’s been recorded many times and used in several films, including the 1956 film Bus Stop, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Old Black Magic” in 1962. Today’s version is the most magical: an improv with a Dave Brubeck trio at their appearances at the invitation of President John F. Kennedy to honor the year’s young White House scholars. The tape of the concert was long thought lost, but it was found, misfiled, in the classical music section of the Columbia vaults soon after the death of Brubeck in 2012. It was released as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962.

That Old Black Magic (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962

Listen to That Old Black Magic (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2013.

“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962, is available from Apple Music.

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