The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Monday, July 10, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow for the 1934 movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. West was an ardent Duke Ellington fan and insisted that he and his orchestra be hired to do the film and accompany her when she sang it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album in tribute to Billie Holiday — Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” in 1934.

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Song of the Day: I Got Lost In Her Arms

The song of the day for Sunday, July 9, 2023, is “I Got Lost In Her Arms.”

About This Song

“I Got Lost In Her Arms” was written by Irving Berlin for his 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun, which starred Ethel Merman and Ray Middleton. 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” on January 10, 1986, for his album The Art of Excellence, his first album after returning to Columbia Records. The album was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandelli.

“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: Good Morning, Heartache

The song of the day for Monday, June 19, 2023, is “Good Morning Heartache.”

About This Song

“Good Morning, Heartache” was written in 1946 by Irene Higginbotham, Ervin Drake, and Dan Fisher. The song is strongly associated with Billie Holiday, who recorded the song in 1946. The popularity of the song was revived when Diana Ross recorded it for the Billie Holiday biographical film Lady Sings The Blues, released in 1972.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Good Morning, Heartache” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Good Morning, Heartache,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1946 recording:

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Song of the Day: Moments Like This

The song of the day for Friday, June 16, 2023, is “Moments Like This.”

About This Song

“Moments Like This” was composed by Burton Lane, with lyrics by Frank Loessers, in 1938 for the movie College Swing. Early recordings include those by Maxine Sullivan, Teddy Wilson, and Dick Stabile and His Orchestra. Later recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Bobby Short, and Michael Feinstein.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Moments Like This” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence, his first album upon returning to Columbia Records. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Moments Like This,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Thursday, June 1, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow in 1934 for the movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. Mae West was an ardent Duke Ellington fan and insisted that he and his orchestra be hired to do the film and accompany her when she sang it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to the music of Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording of “My Old Flame” from 1944: