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, August 30, 2023, is “Daybreak.”

About This Song

The song “Daybreak” 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.” The song is in honor of Dinah Washington, who sang it regularly.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Daybreak” in July 1995 for his album Here’s To The Ladies, with an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli. Bennett recorded this song in honor of Dinah Washington, who recorded “Daybreak” in 1960.

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

Here’s Dinah Washington’s 1960 recording of “Daybreak” from her album I Concentrate On You.

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

The song of the day for Sunday, August 27, 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 in 1957 for her album The Man I Love which 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” in May 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in February 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.

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In A Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Friday, August 11, 2023, is “In A Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In A Sentimental Mood” was written by Duke Ellington in 1935; the lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills were added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“In A Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the wonderful 1962 recording by Duke Ellington and Joan Coltrane:

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Saturday, August 5, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell due to contractual issues). 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.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

Here’s Billie Holiday’s version with Teddy Wilson, recorded on June 30, 1936:

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Sunday, July 23, 2023, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Caladrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

We also have Holiday’s 1942 recording, with Paul Whiteman: