The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

The song of the day for Saturday, January 21, 2023, is “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive.”

About This Song

“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive” was written in 1944 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1944 movie Here Come The Waves, starring Bing Crosby and Betty Hutton.

This charming song was written in the style of a sermon with the message that being positive is the key to happiness. Mercer is said to have heard a sermon by Father Divine, who said “you got to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive” in June 1998 for his album for children, The Playground.

“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive,” as well as The Playground is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942, with music by Trummy Young and Jimmy and Mundy, and 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” in June 1996 for the 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

Here’s that wonderful 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” by Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra.

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Song of the Day: One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 13, 2022, is “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road).”

About This Song

“One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1943 film The Sky’s The Limit, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire. Harold Arlen called this song one of his “tapeworms” as at 48 bars, it was longer than the standard 32-bar popular song. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, says

The honors must go the lyric. … Just imagine having the acuity and courage to start a song, as Mercer does, with ‘It’s a quarter to three’!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” in June 1992 and was released that year on Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“One for My Baby (And One More for the Road),” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Frank Sinatra’s legendary 1958 recording of “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” with the great Nelson Riddle arrangement from Frank Sinatra Sings for Only The Lonely:

We’ve also got Fred Astaire performing “One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)” from the 1943 movie The Sky’s the Limit:

And if you’re still with us, Sinatra sang today’s song on an unknown live television program:

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Song of the Day: Twilight World

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 19, 2022, is “Twilight World.”

About This Song

“Twilight World” was written in 1957 by the wonderful pianist Marian McPartland, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This ballad 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 a 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” on October 1, 1971, for his album With Love. The song was arranged by Robert Farnon.

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

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 20, 2022, is “Days of Wine and Roses.”

About This Song

“Days of Wine and Roses” was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer or the 1962 film of the same name, starring Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. This movie is arguably the most influential film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Days of Wine and Roses” on December 29,1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. The arrangement was written by Larry Wilcox.

“Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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