The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Daybreak

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 11, 2023, is “Daybreak.”

About This Song

“Daybreak” was written by Ferde Grofé, with lyrics by Harold Adamson. The song 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 and released that year on Here’s To The Ladies. The song is in tribute to 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 1960 recording of “Daybreak” from I Concentrate on You.

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Song of the Day: Sentimental Journey

The song of the day for Monday, January 9, 2023, is “Sentimental Journey.”

About This Song

“Sentimental Journey” was written in 1944 by Les Brown and Ben Homer, with lyrics by Bud Green. It was a hit record for Les Brown and His Band of Renown; it featured Doris Day as vocalist and this song was her first #1 hit song. The song was popular in the US as soldiers returned home at the end of World War II. The song is a well-known standard and has been recorded by Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Ames Brothers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sentimental Journey” in July 1995 and released that year on Here’s To The Ladies. The song is in tribute to Doris Day, who first recorded the song. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

Here’s the 1944 recording of “Sentimental Journey” by Les Brown and His Band of Renown, featuring Doris Day.

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Song of the Day: Honeysuckle Rose

The song of the day for Sunday, January 8, 2023, is “Honeysuckle Rose.”

About This Song

“Honeysuckle Rose” was written in 1929 by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Andy Razaf. This song one of Waller’s better-known tunes and for good reason. The tune is very well written and Razaf’s lyric is delightful. Waller recorded the song in 1934 and that recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The song has been recorded steadily throughout the years, including the one by Lena Horne in 1963.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Honeysuckle Rose” in July 1995 and released that year on Here’s To The Ladies. The song is in tribute to Lena Horne. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

Here’s Lena Horne singing “Honeysuckle Rose” live at The Waldorf Astoria.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Saturday, December 3, 2022, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1933 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 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“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: Speak Low

The song of the day for Friday, December 2, 2022, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Speak Low” in May 1989 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.