The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: Ill Wind

The song of the day for Friday, December 8, 2023, is “Ill Wind.”

About This Song

“Ill Wind” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1934 for Arlen’s and Koehler’s last show at the Cotton Club, where it was sung by Adelaide Hall. This song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton, Audra McDonald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ill Wind” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Ill Wind,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “Ill Wind” in 1956 for Verve Records.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Sunday, November 19, 2023, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it 1957 for her album The Man I Love; it was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” on May 18, 1989, for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as AStoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.