The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: I Wished On The Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, June 16, 2024, is “I Wished On The Moon.”

About This Song

“I Wished On The Moon” was written in 1935 by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker (yes, that Dorothy Parker). This song was first recorded in 1935 by Ruth Etting. Bing Crosby sang in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Art Pepper, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wished On The Moon” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Performance.

“I Wished On The Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got Billie Holiday’s 1995 recording of “I Wished On The Moon.” She sings the seldom-heard verse, as did Tony Bennett on his recording:

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

The song of the day for Saturday, June 15, 2024, is “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” on May 16, 1989, and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

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Song of the Day: I’m In Love Again

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, is “I’m In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I’m In Love Again” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman, Peggy Lee, and Bill Schluger. This is one of the several songs that Peggy Lee wrote with Cy Coleman. Miss Lee used it as the title song for her 1964 album Miss Peggy Lee In Love Again!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m In Love Again” in July 1995 for his album Here’s To The Ladies. For this album he recorded songs associated with the great 20th century female singers; this song was recorded for Miss Peggy Lee. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“I’m In Love Again,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.