The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow for the 1934 film Belle of the Nineties, starring Mae West, who introduced the song in the film. At her insistence, Duke Ellington and His Orchestra was hired to accompany Mae West for all of her songs from the film. After the film wrapped, Ellington recorded “My Old Flame” with Ivie Anderson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorde “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his tribute to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

I tried to find a video clip of Mae West singing “My Old Flame,” but had no luck. I did find her performance of the song from the soundtrack, which is almost as good.

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Song of the Day: It’s Like Reaching For the Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, October 18 is “It’s Like Reaching For the Moon.”

About This Song

“It’s Like Reaching For the Moon” was written in 1936 by Al Lewis, Al Sherman, and Gerald Marqusee. Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra, with Billie Holiday on vocals, first recorded this song, which was released in July 1936.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Like Reaching For the Moon” in June 1989, for Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“It’s Like Reaching For the Moon,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

And of course, we have that 1936 recording with Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra.

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Song of the Day: A Rainy Day

The song of the day for Friday, October 16, 2026, is “A Rainy Day.”

About This Song

“A Rainy Day” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1932 revue Flying Colors. Howard Dietz directed the production. The cast included Clifton Webb, Patsy Kelly, Imogene Coca, and Buddy and Vilma Ebsen.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Rainy Day” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“A Rainy Day,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

The song of the day for Saturday, September 26, 2026, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun.”

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White’s Scandals. White produced these Broadway revues from 1919 to 1939. Stars introduced in his Scandals include Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, and The Three Stooges.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Elvis Costello recorded “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” in 2006 for Duets: An American Classic, which was released 20 years ago today on September 26, 2006. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. Torrie Zito arranged the brass section.

Duets: An American Classic won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available on Apple Music.

We’re pleased to include the official VEVO video of the recording of “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” with Tony Bennett and Elvis Costello.

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Song of the Day: How Do You Keep the Music Playing?

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is “How Do You Keep the Music Playing.”

About This Song

“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” was written by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. This song was written for the 1992 movie Best Friends. where it was introduced by James Ingram and Patti Austin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” for his 1986 album The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

As a special treat, here is the Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett duet of “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” from Duets II.