The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Love Went To London

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is “My Love Went To London.”

About This Song

“My Love Went To London” was written in 1991 by Anthony Scibetta and John Wallowitch for Blossom Dearie. She recorded this song in 1991 on the album Tweedledum and Tweedledee with Mike Renzi who served as Tony Bennett’s musical director in 2014.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Love Went To London” in July 1995 for Here’s To The Ladies. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. In this album, Bennett recorded songs associated with popular female singers in the 20th century. This song was sung in tribute to Blossom Dearie, who was born 1924 and is being celebrated for her centennial.

“My Love Went To London,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Friday, November 29, 2024, is “Day Dream.”

About Today

We remember Billy Strayhorn, born on November 29, 1915. Strayhorn was an American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger who collaborated with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington for nearly three decades. His compositions include “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Chelsea Bridge,” and “Lush Life”.

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

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

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

Here’s the 1941 recording of “Day Dream” with Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn:

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Song of the Day: The Best is Yet to Come

The song of the day for Saturday, November 16, 2024, is “The Best is Yet to Come.”

About Today

We are celebrating the great Diana Krall on her birthday. She was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada on November 16, 1964. She started learning piano at the age of four. In high school she played in the student jazz group while playing professionally in local restaurants. Krall studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. She recorded her first album in 1992. She collaborated with Tony Bennett on Duets: An American Classic and Duets II. In 2018, Krall and Bennett released Love Is Here To Stay, consisting of songs written by George Gershwin.

Happy Birthday to Diana Krall!

About This Song

“The Best is Yet to Come” was written in 1959 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Some say that “The Best is Yet to Come” was written for Tony Bennett. In any case, the song is strongly identified with him and he sang it at most of his concerts. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “The Best is Yet to Come” on February 15, 2006, for Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“The Best is Yet to Come,” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, is “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me).”

About This Song

“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1964 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 in 1965, starting first with a nationwide tour. Around that time, Tony Bennett made his first recording of this song for his 1964 album “Who Can I Turn To,” 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 the Duets II album. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Who Can I Turn To,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video of Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah recording today’s song:

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Song of the Day: Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Thursday, November 7, 2024, is “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist, released in 1999. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted this song, as well as the entire album.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist, is available on Apple Music.