The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Got Lost In Her Arms

The song of the day for Thursday, January 11, 2024, is “I Got Lost In Her Arms.”

About This Song

“I Got Lost In Her Arms” was written by Irving Berlin for his 1946 Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun. The song’s actual title is “I Got Lost in His Arms” and was introduced by Miss Merman.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Got Lost In Her Arms” was recorded in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“I Got Lost In Her Arms,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: How Do You Keep The Music Playing

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 10, 2024, is “How Do You Keep The Music Playing.”

About This Song

“How Do You Keep The Music Playing” was written by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, for the 1982 movie Best Friends. The initial recording was a duet by Patti Austin and James Ingram, which became a hit single in 1983. It was one of three songs with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman that were nominated that year for an Academy Award for Best Song (though the award went to “Up Where We Belong” from the movie An Officer and a Gentleman). The song has become a popular standard and has had many fine recordings, including those by Frank Sinatra (who encouraged Bennett to sing this song), Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis and Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett and George Michael, and, most recently, Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” on January 10, 1986, for his album The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“How Do You Keep The Music Playing,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: City of Angels

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 9, 2024, is “City of Angels.”

About This Song

In addition to Fred Astaire’s phenomenal gifts as a singer, dancer, and actor, he was also a fine songwriter. In addition to “City of Angels” (written with Tommy Wolfe), he also wrote “I’m Building Up to an Awful Letdown” (written with Johnny Mercer), and “It’s Like Taking Candy From a Baby,” which he recorded with Benny Goodman.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “City of Angels” between January 9-11, 1986, for his first album upon rejoining Columbia Records, The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“City of Angels,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Honeysuckle Rose

The song of the day for Monday, January 8, 2024, is “Honeysuckle Rose.”

About This Song

“Honeysuckle Rose” was written in 1929 by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Andy Razaf. It’s one of Waller’s better-known songs and for good reason. The tune is very well written and Razaf’s lyrics are 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.

Tony Bennett and Lena Horne did a show together in 1973 on Broadway. You can read more about here; the article includes a video of the show that they made in England after the Broadway run.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Honeysuckle Rose” in July 1995 for Here’s To The Ladies. For this album, Bennett recorded songs associated with some of the best female singers in the 20th century, including Barbra Streisand, Doris Day, Margaret Whiting, and many more. This song was chosen in honor of Lena Horne. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.

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

We’ve got a special treat today! John and Bucky Pizzarelli performing “Honeysuckle Rose” in 2002 at the MAC (Manhatten Association of Cabarets) Awards, followed by “Route 66.” Guitar playing doesn’t get any better than this.

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 12, 2023, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written in 1967 by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The song was originally written for Sergio Mendes and the Brasil 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 his album The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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