The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Mood Indigo

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 23, 2021, is “Mood Indigo.”

About This Song

“Mood Indigo” was written by Duke Ellington, based on a theme by Barney Bigard; Irving Mills wrote the lyrics. Ellington wrote the song, originally titled “Dreamy Blues,” specifically for ‘microphone transmission,’ and it was first played on a 1930 radio broadcast. Audiences loved the song, and so Irving Mills wrote the lyric, changing the name of the song to “Mood Indigo.” The song has been widely recorded by instrumental and vocal artists, including Tony Bennett, Charles Mingus, Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Mood Indigo” in 1999 for his tribute album to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot and Cool, released in Ellington’s centennial year. The album was conducted and arranged by Jorge Calandrelli. Joining Bennett for this recording were Wynton Marsalis on trumpet and Al Grey on trombone.

“Mood Indigo,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot and Cool is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Dream Dancing

The song of the day for Thursday, November 11, 2021, is “Dream Dancing.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Dream Dancing” for the 1941 movie You’ll Never Get Rich, though it was introduced only in its instrumental form. The first recording of the song, with lyrics, was made by Fred Astaire in the same year, with The Delta Rhythm Boys. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Zoot Zims with Jimmy Rowles, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Dream Dancing” for their 2021 album Love For Sale, featuring an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Dream Dancing,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Thursday, November 4, 2021, 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 II 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; 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” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“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: It’s Like Reaching For The Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 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. This song 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” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the orchestras and conducted as well.

“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: When Do the Bells Ring For Me?

The song of the day for Monday, November 1, 2021, is “When Do the Bells Ring For Me?”

About This Song

“When Do the Bells Ring For Me?” was written in 1989 by Charles DeForest. This song was written by New York cabaret artist DeForest especially for Tony Bennett to sing on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. DeForest got his professional start as a singer for the Benny Goodman Orchestra but soon set out on his own as a performer in piano bars and cabarets in Manhattan. He won several awards for his cabaret work, including those from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets in 1994 and 1996 and the Mabel Mercer Foundation in 1992. Mr. DeForest died in 1992. “When Do The Bells Ring For Me?” became his signature song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When Do the Bells Ring For Me?” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. The album was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“When Do the Bells Ring For Me?” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.