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 Wednesday, November 6, 2024, is “Azure.”

About This Song

“Azure” was written in 1937 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills. In his liner notes for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennett wrote 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 May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, released in Ellington’s centennial. year. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

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

Here’s “Azure,” recorded in 1937 by Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra.

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Song of the Day: A Rainy Day

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, is “A Rainy Day.”

About This Song

“A Rainy Day” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1932 Broadway musical revue Flying Colors, which starred Clifton Webb, Patsy Kelly, Imogene Coca, and Buddy and Vilma Ebsen.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Rainy Day” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence, the first album Bennett made with Columbia after he returned to the label. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“A Rainy Day,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Friday, November 1, 2024, 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 The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

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

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Song of the Day: Daybreak

The song of the day for Thursday, October 24, 2024, is “Daybreak.”

About This Song

“Daybreak” was written in 1925 by Ferde Grofé and Harold Adamson. The song “Daybreak” was part of a classical suite of songs by Ferde Grofé called Mississippi Suite, composed in 1925. Lyricist Harold Adamson took the theme from the final movement and wrote lyrics for it, resulting in the song “Daybreak.” Dinah Washington recorded “Daybreak” for her album I Concentrate On You, released in 1960.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Daybreak” in July 1995 for his album Here’s To the Ladies, which was released on October 24, 1995. Bennett included songs associated with great women singers in the 20th century on this album. “Daybreak” was recorded for Dinah Washington. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Daybreak,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Dinah Washington’s “Daybreak” from her 1960 album I Concentrate On You:

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Song of the Day: Prelude to a Kiss

The song of the day for Friday, October 18, 2024, is “Prelude to a Kiss.”

About This Song

“Prelude to a Kiss” was written in 1938 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Gordon and Irving Mills. At a time when swing music was popular, Ellington wrote this more ambitious and experimental ballad.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Prelude to a Kiss” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. Joel Smirnoff is the featured violinist.

“Prelude to a Kiss,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s instrumental recording of “Prelude to a Kiss” from 1938: