The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Sunday, September 20, 2026, is “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington in 1940, with lyrics by Bob Russell added later. The music originated as an instrumental from Concerto for Cootie, to highlight Ellington’s lead trumpet player Cootie Williams.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool. The album was timed to be released in 1999, Ellington’s centennial year. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 42nd Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1940 recording of “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me.” That’s Cootie Williams on trumpet.

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Saturday, September 12, 2026, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written in 1967 by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 released the first recording of “So Many Stars” in 1968. Other recordings include those by Sarah Vaughan, Cleo Laine, Helen Merrill, Susannah McCorkle, Natalie Cole, and Frank Sinatra, Jr.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “So Many Stars” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“So Many Stars,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s “So Many Stars,” recorded by Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 in 1967.

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Song of the Day: Time to Smile

The song of the day for Monday, September 7, 2026, is “Time to Smile”

About This Song

“Time to Smile” was written by Geoffrey Clarkson and Johnny Mercer in 1966, though was fairly obscure until Tony Bennett recorded it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Time to Smile” for his 2004 album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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

“Time to Smile,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.