The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)

The song of the day for Monday, February 16, 2026, is “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good).”

About This Song

“Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1934 for their last show at the Cotton Club, where it was sung by Adelaide Hall. This song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton, Audra McDonald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good),” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday‘s 1956 recording of “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” from All Or Nothing At All.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I Got Lost in Her Arms

The song of the day for Thursday, February 12, 2026, is “I Got Lost in Her Arms.”

About This Song

“I Got Lost in Her Arms” was written by Irving Berlin for the 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 The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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

We’re happy to present Ethel Merman singing “I Got Lost in His Arms” from the 1946 original cast album of Annie Get Your Gun.

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for 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 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”on May 18, 1989, for Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. 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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is “In a Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In a Sentimental Mood” was composed in 1935 by Duke Ellington; 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 Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. The album was released in 1999 to coincide with Duke Ellington’s centenary celebration.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

We’ve got “In a Sentimental Mood” from the 1963 album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane. It’s an extraordinary recording.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Sunday, January 11, 2026, 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. The song has been widely recorded, including those by Duke Ellington with Ivie Anderson, Benny Goodman, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1966 for his tribute to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

Billie Holiday, with Eddie Heywood and His Orchestra recorded “My Old Flame” on March 25, 1944.