The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Friday, August 9, 2024, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written in 1933 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 this version of “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 for the album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: Sophisticated Lady

The song of the day for Monday, August 5, 2024, is “Sophisticated Lady.”

About This Song

“Sophisticated Lady” was written in 1932 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills and Mitchell Parish. Ellington is said to have been inspired to write this song by two of his grade school teachers, who toured Europe in the summers after teaching all year. “To me that spelled sophistication.” “Sophisticated Lady” was first recorded in 1933 on the flip side with Harold Arlen’s Stormy Weather. It is, of course, one of Ellington’s most popular and often-played songs. In addition to numerous recordings by Ellington over the years, the song has been recorded by Art Tatum, Anita O’Day, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hodges, Sarah Vaughan, and Glenn Miller.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sophisticated Lady” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The recording features Joel Smirnoff on violin. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

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

Here’s a live recording of “Sophisticated Lady: from Ellington’s performance at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival (where he brought down the house with the extraordinary 14 minute rendition of “Dimenuendo In Blue” which I’m also including):

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Saturday, July 20, 2024, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written in 1967 by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, for Sergio Mendes and the Brazil 66 for their 1968 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. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought Of You

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About Today

We are pleased to wish Sir Paul McCartney a very happy birthday. McCartney was born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool.

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written by British composer and band leader Ray Noble. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it that 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.

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

We’re pleased to present the official video for this recording:

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Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Monday, June 17, 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 album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrabgenebt,

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