The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 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” on May 18, 1989, and released it the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. 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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Song of the Day: A Rainy Day

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 22, 2022, is “A Rainy Day.”

About This Song

The great songwriting team of Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz wrote “A Rainy Day” for the 1932 Broadway musical revue Flying Colors, which starred Clifton Webb, Patsy Kelly, Imogene Coca, and Buddy and Vilma Ebsen.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Rainy Day” in January 1986 and was released that year on The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“A Rainy Day,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Monday, November 21, 2022, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written in 1067 by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It 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 and was released that year on The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

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Song of the Day: Why Do People Fall In Love

The song of the day for Sunday, November 20, 2022, is “Why Do People Fall In Love.”

About This Song

“Why Do People Fall In Love” was written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter. Lambert and Potter were a successful songwriting team in the 1970s and 1980s. They wrote and produced songs for groups including the Four Tops, Dusty Springfield, Santana, Hall and Oates, and Glenn Campbell. Their work with Campbell resulted in a major hit song, “Rhinestone Cowboy.” This arrangement also includes a small section from the song “People, written for the musical Funny Girl by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Why Do People Fall In Love” on January 11, 1986, and was released that year on The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Why Do People Fall In Love,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Got Lost In Her Arms

The song of the day for Saturday, November 19, 2022, is “I Got Lost In Her Arms.”

About This Song

“I Got Lost In Her Arms” is from Irving Berlin’s wonderful 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun, starring Ethel Merman and Ray Middleton. The song’s actual title is “I Got Lost in His Arms” and it was introduced by Miss Merman.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Got Lost In Her Arms” on January 10, 1986, and was released that year on The Art of Excellence. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

For our fans of musical theatre, here’s Ethel Merman singing today’s song, from the 1946 original cast album: