The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic

The song of the day for Thursday, May 28, 2026, is “.”

About This Song

“That Old Black Magic” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 film Star Spangled Rhythm. The song was popular from the start, with recordings by Glenn Miller and Judy Garland in 1942. The song has been used in films and television, including Bus Stop, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe, and Star Trek Voyager, where it was sung by Jeri Ryan, portraying Seven of Nine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Old Black Magic” live 63 years ago on August 28, 1962. Bennett, with the Ralph Sharon Trio, and the Dave Brubeck Quartet had both been invited by President John F. Kennedy to perform at a concert honoring that year’s group of summer interns. Originally, the concert was planned for the Rose Garden at the White House, but due to so much interest, it was moved to the Sylvan Theatre on the Mall, near the Washington Monument.

Brubeck with his quartet (Paul Desmond on alto sax, Eugene Wright on bass, Joe Morello on drums) opened the concert. Next was Tony Bennett and The Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, Billy Exiner on drums) who performed. After Bennett’s set, Dave Brubeck and Tony Bennett did an unplanned improv set, joined by Eugene Wright and Joe Morello.

The concert was taped, but over time it had become lost in the vaults. They were discovered, misfiled in the Classical Music section, in December 2012, just a few weeks after Dave Brubeck’s death. Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962 was finally released 13 years ago; May 28, 2013.

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

Tony Bennett made a short video about the experience.

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Song of the Day: Tangerine

The song of the day for Sunday, May 23, 2026, is “Tangerine.”

About This Song

“Tangerine” was written by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 movie The Fleet’s In, which starred Dorothy Lamour, William Holden, Eddie Bracken and introduced Betty Hutton. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, with vocalists Helen O’Connell and Bob Eberly, made a very successful recording in 1942.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Tangerine” in July 1995 for Here’s To The Ladies. Bill Holman wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

In Here’s To The Ladies, Tony Bennett celebrated the great female vocalists of the 20th century. Today, we are honoring Helen O’Connell, who recorded “Tangerine” with Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra. Helen O’Connell was born on May 23, 1920, and grew up in Toledo, Ohio. She joined the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra in 1939, leaving the group after her marriage in 1943. She resumed her career in 1951. She continued to perform, with her last performance just a month before her death in 1993.

“Tangerine,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Jimmy Dorsey, Helen O’Connell, and Bob Eberly 1942 recording of “Tangerine.”

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

The song of the day for Monday, May 18, 2026, 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. It’s been widely record by artists including Pearl Bailey, Jack Jones, and Susannah McCorkle. Ella Fitzgerald was big fan of the song, according to Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby Don’t You Quit Now” on, November 25, 1968, for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me, released in 1969. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“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: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett remembers Billie Holiday on the anniversary of her birth on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Munday, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

On June 12, 1945, 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 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

And, of course, we have the Paul Whiteman and Lady Day recording of “Trav’lin’ Light.”

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, February 21, 2026, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written in 1944 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 film Out of This World. The film starred Eddie Bracken, however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” on January 18, 1967, for his album For Once In My Life. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.