The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I’m Old Fashioned

The song of the day for Saturday, November 8, 2025, is “I’m Old Fashioned.”

About This Song

“I’m Old Fashioned” was written by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 film You Were Never Lovelier, starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. Astaire recorded the song first, in 1942 with John Scott Trotter and his orchestra. Other significant recordings include those by Blossom Dearie, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, John Coltrane, and Susannah McCorkle.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Bill Charlap Trio, recorded “I’m Old Fashioned” in 2015 for The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement and led his trio on piano. The trio includes Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums.

The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“I’m Old Fashioned,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available on Apple Music.

Here are Fred AStaire and Rita Hayworth performing “I’m Old Fashioned” from You Were Never Lovelier.

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Song of the Day: I Remember You

The song of the day for Thursday, October 16, 2025, is “I Remember You.”

About This Song

“I Remember You” was written in 1941 by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 film The Fleet’s In (directed by the composer Schertzinger), where it was introduced by Dorothy Lamour. It is said that Mercer wrote the lyric for Judy Garland, with whom he was said to be in love. The song has been widely recorded over the decades and remains popular today. Notable recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Chet Baker, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Remember You” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“I Remember You,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Harlem Butterfly

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, is “Harlem Butterfly.”

About This Song

“Harlem Butterfly” was written by Johnny Mercer in 1942. It’s one of the few songs where Johnny Mercer wrote the music as well the lyrics, including “I Wanna Be Around” and “Dream.” Significant recordings include those by Maxine Sullivan, Susannah McCorkle, Rebecca Kilgore, Bobby Short, and Dave Frishberg.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Harlem Butterfly” in October 1, 1971, for his 1972 album With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Harlem Butterfly,” as well as With Love, is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Monday, September 29, 2025, is “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive.”

About This Song

“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1944 for the movie Here Comes The Waves, starring Bing Crosby and Betty Hutton. This charming song was written in the style of sermon with the message of 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.” Significant recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Kay Kyser, Artie Shaw, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive” in June 1998 for his album for children, The Playground, which was released 27 years ago on September 29, 1998.

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

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Song of the Day: If You Were Mine

The song of the day for Monday, September 8, 2025, is “If You Were Mine.”

About This Song

“If You Were Mine” was written by Matty Malneck and Johnny Mercer for the 1935 musical film To Beat The Band. Billie Holiday recorded this song in 1936 with Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “If You Were Mine” on October 19, 1962, for I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“If You Were Mine,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “If You Were Mine” by Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra: