The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Monday, April 11, 2022, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.”

About This Song

“Don’t Like Goodbyes” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like Goodbyes” has been recorded by Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Like Goodbyes” in 2004 for his wonderful album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Willow Weep For Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 5, 2022, is “Willow Weep For Me.”

About This Song

“Willow Weep For Me” was written in 1932 by a Radcliffe student named Ann Ronell. She encountered some initial trouble in getting the song published, but once Irving Berlin decided to publish the song, it began to take off. The first recording was made by Ted Fio Rito, with vocals by Muzzy Marcellino. The song became a jazz standard and has been recorded by many fine jazz artists, including Art Tatum, Dinah Washington, Stan Kenton, Thelonius Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Willow Weep For Me” in 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Willow Weep For Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s original recording:

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Song of the Day: She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)

The song of the day for Sunday, April 3, 2022, is “She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good).”

About This Song

“She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)” was written in 1941 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. This song’s actual title is “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good). It was written for Ivie Anderson, who sang it in a revue called Jump For Joy. Anderson also recorded the song in 1941 with saxophonist Johnny Hodges which was well-received. The song has been widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)” in 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good),” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ivie Anderson original version with Ellington.

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Song of the Day: Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)

The song of the day for is “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me).”

About Today

We’re honoring Queen Latifah, who sang this song with Tony Bennett on Duets II, in celebrating her birthday. She was born on March 18, 1970, in Newark, NJ.

About This Song

“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” was was written by Leslie Bricusee and Anthony Newley for the British musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd. Producer David Merrick saw the production in London and decided to bring it to America, starting first with a nationwide tour. Around that time, Tony Bennett made this recording, which was a hit for him; this helped bring attention to the musical and helped ensure its success in the US.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah recorded “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me),” as well as Duets II is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Friday, March 11, 2022, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it in 1957 for her album The Man I Love; it was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” for his 1990 autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

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