The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 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 are both uplifting and sorrowful. 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 first recorded this song in 1965 for The Movie Song Album. Today, however, I’m going with the 1975 recording with Bill Evans for The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

I don’t know about Mancini, but Johnny Mercer was an alcoholic and both Bennett and Evans had substance abuse issues in 1975. I’ve always found it interesting that out of so much pain came such a beautiful song and recording.

“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: Blues in the Night

The song of the day for Friday, April 15, 2022, is “Blues in the Night.”

About This Song

“Blues in the Night” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1941 movie of the same name. Arlen wrote the music first and wrote a true blues song. Johnny Mercer, who later wrote the lyrics, drew on his southern heritage to write the exceptional blues lyrics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blues in the Night” in 1957 for his album The Beat of My Heart, which featured percussionists from all over. Drummer Jo Jones is featured on the recording. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and conducted the album.

“Blues in the Night,” as well as The Beat of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Thursday, April 7,2022, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

We close out our tribute to Billie Holiday, who was born on April 7, 1915. I think she really invented jazz singing.

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy. When Paul Whiteman and his band arrived at Capitol Records’ studio for a recording session, Trummy Young brought along his girlfriend, Billie Holiday. Songwriter Johnny Mercer, one of the co-founders of the new label, discovered that Young had a newly written tune with him. Mercer quickly wrote lyrics for it and gave it a title so Holiday could record it with the band. The record label identified the singer as ‘Lady Day,’ Holiday’s nickname because she was under contract with another label.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday. The album won the 1998 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’s version with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra. I love this recording so much.

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Song of the Day: Twilight World

The song of the day for Sunday, March 20, 2022, is “Twilight World.”

About Today

We are very pleased to honor Marian McPartland on the anniversary of her birth on March 20, 1918, in Slough, United Kingdom. She was a noted pianist, composer, and writer. Her NPR series, Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, ran from 1978 to 2011 and introducted jazz to much of America.

About This Song

“Twilight World” was written by Marian McPartland, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer in 1957. This ballad by Marian McPartland has proven to be one of her most enduring and popular songs. The tune itself is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, often played in a bossa nova style. The lyrics by Johnny Mercer are quite good, and the combination makes for nearly perfect jazz song. Tony Bennett said “well, that song will last forever. It’s a beautiful song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Twilight World” in 1971; the recording was released on the album With Love in 1972. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement

“Twilight World,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

We are happy to present the 1990 episode of Piano Jazz with Tony Bennett as guest. It’s really lovely.

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Song of the Day: Dearly Beloved

The song of the day for Thursday, March 10, 2022, is “Dearly Beloved.”

About This Song

“Dearly Beloved” was written by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 film You Were Never Lovelier, starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. The song was nominated for an Academy Award.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and The Bill Charlap Trio recorded “Dearly Beloved” for the 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Charlap wrote the arrangement.

“Dearly Beloved,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Fred Astaire singing today’s song, from the movie You Were Never Lovelier.

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