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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

March 4, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: This Time The Dream’s On Me

The song of the day for Friday, March 5, 2021, is “This Time The Dream’s On Me.”

About This Song

“This Time The Dream’s On Me” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1941 film musical, Blues in the Night, which also featured the title song. Blues in the Night is a somewhat film noir musical about a down-on-their-luck band that plays blues music.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “This Time The Dream’s On Me” for his 1960 album Tony Bennett Sings A Stream Of Harold Arlen. Glenn Osser arranged and conducted the orchestra for the album.

This Time The Dream’s On Me

Listen to This Time The Dream’s On Me on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1960.

“This Time The Dream’s On Me,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings A Stream Of Harold Arlen, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Blues in the Night, Glenn Osser, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen

March 3, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Thursday, March 4, 2021, 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 this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” with a superb jazz quartet: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums). It’s just as great a recording as you can imagine with all that talent. This song, as well as a few others with the quartet, are on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

Out of This World

Listen to Out of This World on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.

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

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Elvin Jones, Harold Arlen, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Mercer, Ron Carter, Stan Getz

February 15, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 16, 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.

About This Version

In 1962, Tony Bennett and his trio and The Dave Brubeck Quartet were invited by President John Kennedy to perform in the White House Rose Garden as a thank you to that year’s Presidential Scholars. There was so much interest in the concert that it was moved to the Mall near the Washington Monument. After each artist played their respective sets, Bennett and Brubeck, along with Eugene Wright on bass and Joe Morello on drums returned for a short improv set. One of the songs in that set was “That Old Black Magic.” The concert was recorded, but the tapes had been long since lost. Soon after Brubeck’s death in December 2012, the tapes were found in the classical music archives of Sony/Columbia Records. The album Bennett & Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 was released in April 2013.

That Old Black Magic (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) – Live

Listen to That Old Black Magic (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) – Live 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.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bennett & Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962, Dave Brubeck, Eugene Wright, Harold Arlen, Joe Morello, Johnny Mercer, Tony Bennett

February 10, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Jeepers Creepers

The song of the day for Thursday, February 11, 2021, is “Jeepers Creepers.”

About This Song

“Jeepers Creepers” was written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer for the 1938 movie Going Places, which featured Louis Armstrong as a trumpet-playing horse trainer. It has been recorded by Bing Crosby and, of course, Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Jeepers Creepers” in 1959 for his album with Count Basie and His Orchestra, Basie/Bennett. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Jeepers Creepers – 1990 Remix / Remaster

Listen to Jeepers Creepers – 1990 Remix / Remaster on Spotify. Count Basie · Song · 1959.

“Jeepers Creepers,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Basie/Bennett, Count Basie and His Orchestra, Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer, Ralph Sharon, Tony Bennett

February 1, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 2, 2021, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’ lin’ Light” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday.

Trav’lin’ Light

Listen to Trav’lin’ Light on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

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

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Billie Holiday, Jimmy Mundy, Johnny Mercer, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett on Holiday: A Tribute to Billie Holiday, Trummy Young

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