The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Azure

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 7, 2022, is “Azure.”

About This Song

“Azure” was written by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills, in 1937. In his liner notes for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennett writes of “Azure” that ‘the composition of this song is the absolute pinnacle of inventiveness and originality as it relates to the art of music composition.’

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Azure” in 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Azure,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 30, 2021, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy in 1942; Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics. This 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 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

Here is the Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman Orchestra recording from 1942:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 24, 2021, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. Composer Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Her other songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, arranged by Jorge Calandrelli. Bobby Tucker, formerly a pianist for Billie Holiday, served as musical consultant for the album.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1945 for Decca Records. Here’s that recording:

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Song of the Day: Mood Indigo

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 23, 2021, is “Mood Indigo.”

About This Song

“Mood Indigo” was written by Duke Ellington, based on a theme by Barney Bigard; Irving Mills wrote the lyrics. Ellington wrote the song, originally titled “Dreamy Blues,” specifically for ‘microphone transmission,’ and it was first played on a 1930 radio broadcast. Audiences loved the song, and so Irving Mills wrote the lyric, changing the name of the song to “Mood Indigo.” The song has been widely recorded by instrumental and vocal artists, including Tony Bennett, Charles Mingus, Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Mood Indigo” in 1999 for his tribute album to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot and Cool, released in Ellington’s centennial year. The album was conducted and arranged by Jorge Calandrelli. Joining Bennett for this recording were Wynton Marsalis on trumpet and Al Grey on trombone.

“Mood Indigo,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot and Cool is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Dream Dancing

The song of the day for Thursday, November 11, 2021, is “Dream Dancing.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Dream Dancing” for the 1941 movie You’ll Never Get Rich, though it was introduced only in its instrumental form. The first recording of the song, with lyrics, was made by Fred Astaire in the same year, with The Delta Rhythm Boys. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Zoot Zims with Jimmy Rowles, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Dream Dancing” for their 2021 album Love For Sale, featuring an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Dream Dancing,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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