The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Very Thought Of You

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is happy to wish Sir Paul McCartney a very happy birthday! He was born 83 years ago on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England.

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written in 1934 by Ray Noble. This ballad by the British composer and band leader Noble has been popular since it was written in 1934. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it that same year. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Paul McCartney recorded “The Very Thought Of You” in March 2006 at Abbey Road Studios for Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

v

“The Very Thought Of You,” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video for this recording:

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet

The song of the day for Thursday, June 5, 2025, is “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet.”

About This Song

“A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” was written in 1932 by Harry Woods and Gus Kahn. This charming song was first recorded by Ruth Etting in 1932. Other significant recordings include those by Al Bowlly with the Ray Noble Orchestra, Isham Jones and His Orchestra, The Lennon Sisters, Nat “King” Cole, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” on May 16, 1989, for Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

We have the 1932 recording of “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” by Isham Jones and His Orchestra. It’s a really nice recording.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Monday, June 2, 2025, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, in 1967 for Sergio Mendes and the Brasil 66 for their album Look Around. Since then, the song has found great popularity with popular, jazz and cabaret artists including Kathleen Battle, Lee Konitz, Sarah Vaughan, Earl Klugh, Cleo Laine, and Susannah McCorkle.

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.

By 2 Comments

Song of the Day: The Very Thought of You

The song of the day for Saturday, may 24, 2025, is “The Very Thought of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought of You” was written in 1942 by the British composer and band leader Ray Noble. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it that same year. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Paul McCartney recorded “The Very Thought of You” in March 2006 for Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Duets: An American Classic won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Tony Bennett won the 2007 Primetime Emmy Award for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for Tony Bennett: An American Classic.

“The Very Thought of You,” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available on Apple Music.

We’re happy to include the VEVO video of Tony Bennett and Paul McCartney recording “The Very Thought of You” at the Abbey Road Studios in London.

Here’s the 1942 Ray Noble recording of “The Very Thought of You,” with vocals by Al Bowlly.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Thursday, May 1, 2025, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1944 and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s today’s song played by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra.