The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 17, 2023, is “But Beautiful.”

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written in 1947 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the movie The Road To Rio. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “But Beautiful” for their 2014 album Cheek To Cheek. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“But Beautiful,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recording today’s song.

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Song of the Day: It’s Like Reaching For The Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, October 12, 2023, is “It’s Like Reaching For The Moon.”

About This Song

“It’s Like Reaching For The Moon” was written in 1936 by Al Sherman, Al Lewis, and Gerald Marquesee. It was first recorded by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra in 1936 and was a hit for her. The song has also been recorded by Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbara Carroll.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Like Reaching For The Moon” in May 1989 for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“It’s Like Reaching For The Moon,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)

The song of the day for Monday, October 9, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell for contractual reasons). Although written and first performed in 1936, the song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman.”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording with The Teddy Wilson Orchestra, from 1936:

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Song of the Day: Sophisticated Lady

The song of the day for Sunday, September 24, 2023, is “Sophisticated Lady.”

About This Song

Duke Ellington wrote “Sophisticated Lady” in 1932 as an instrumental. Lyrics were added later by 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. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Friday, September 15, 2023, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was credited as written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It features an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

Here’s the 1941 recording, with Strayhorn on piano and Johnny Hodges on tenor sax from their album Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra. It’s really lovely.