The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Saturday, September 21, 2019, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington in 1940. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics by Bob Russell were added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1944 and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The arrangement was written by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Monday, September 16, 2019, is “But Beautiful.”

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written in 1947 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for Bing Crosby to sing in the 1947 movie The Road to Rio. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “But Beautiful” in 2014 for their album Cheek To Cheek, featuring an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli. It’s a pleasure to present this recording. I feature this song often on this site, but always the recording that Tony made with Bill Evans for The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album. Both of these recordings are stunning.

“But Beautiful,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

I’d also like to include this video from the recording of “But Beautiful for Cheek To Cheek. Thre are many videos of Tony Bennett recording with duet partners, but this one is my absolute favorite. First, it’s a great illustration of how Tony likes to record, which is not as common these days. The video shows Tony and Lady Gaga in the recording studio, as well as Bennett’s quartet. These are all great musicians and it’s wonderful to see them. Note the exquisite guitar by Gray Sargent. Second, it’s meaningful to see these Tony and Lady Gaga work this song. “But Beautiful” is not your garden-variety love song, with lyrics like

Love is tearful, or it’s gay
it’s a problem or it’s play
It’s a heartache either way
but beautiful…

Even reading these lines tugs at my heart. Watching Tony and Lady Gaga sing this song is like watching the arc of a love affair.

Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga - But Beautiful (Studio Video)

TONY BENNETT & LADY GAGA: CHEEK TO CHEEK - LIVE available now! iTunes: http://smarturl.it/CTCLiveiT Amazon DVD: http://smarturl.it/CheekDVDamz Amazon Blu-Ray: http://smarturl.it/CheekBluRayAmz CHEEK TO CHEEK album available now: iTunes: http://smarturl.it/CheekToCheek Google Play: http://smarturl.it/CheekToCheekGP Amazon MP3: http://smarturl.it/CheekToCheekAmz Amazon CD: http://smarturl.it/CheekToCheekCD http://cheektocheek.ladygaga.com/ http://www.ladygaga.com http://www.tonybennett.com

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Song of the Day: I’m In Love Again

The song of the day for Monday, August 26, 2019, is “I’m In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I’m In Love Again” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman, Peggy Lee, and Bill Schluger. It’s one of the several songs that Peggy Lee wrote with Cy Coleman. Miss Lee used as the title song for her 1964 album Miss Peggy Lee in Love Again!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m In Love Again” in 1995 for the album Here’s To The Ladies. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted the orchestra.

“I’m In Love Again,” as well as Here’s to the Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Thursday, August 22, 2019, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine recordings by Tony Bennett, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Speak Low” in 1989 for the album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. The very nice arrangement is by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 14, 2019, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written in 1967, with music by Sergio Mendes and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The song 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 1986 for the album The Art of Excellence, his first album after resigning with Columbia Records. The album was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

So Many Stars

Listen to So Many Stars on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1986

“So Many Stars,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available from iTunes.