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, August 28, 2025, is “That Old Black Magic.”

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 Bernnett’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 in May 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: Come Rain or Come Shine

The song of the day for Friday, August 15, 2025, is “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

About This Song

“Come Rain or Come Shine” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1946 musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual in that the same note is repeated 12 times in the first two measures. Despite that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain or Come Shine” 65 years ago on August 15, 1960, for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, released in 1961. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Come Rain or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Saturday, August 9, 2025, 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, Days of Wine and Roses, which starred Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. the film is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of the 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 and Bill Evans recorded “Days of Wine and Roses” in June 1975, for their first album The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“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: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Thursday, July 31, 2025, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 film Out Of This World. The film starred Eddie Bracken, though Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken. 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 very fine arrangement.

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

We’re happy to present Bing Crosby’s 1945 recording of today’s song:

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 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. In the booklet for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett wrote “This song is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s favorites, and a fun song to perform. It was written by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. It always runs through my brain.”

About This Version

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

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” as well as I Gotta Be Me, is available on Apple Music.

Since Tony Bennett mentioned Ella Fitzgerald, I to check out that recording and thought you might enjoy it too; I know I did. She recorded in 1990 for her last studio album, All That Jazz. Harry “Sweets” Edison played the trumpet on this record.