The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 9, 2020, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1996 for his album of songs associated with Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Caledrelli wrote the arrangement.

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s version:

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Billie Holiday · Song · 2017.

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

The song of the day for Thursday, November 26, 2020, is “The Folks That Live on the Hill.”

About Today

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American readers.

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written in 1937 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 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, 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” in 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released the following year. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Folks That Live On The Hill

Listen to The Folks That Live On The Hill on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1990.

“The Folks That Live on the Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Friday, November 20, 2020, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement.

Trav’lin’ Light

Listen to Trav’lin’ Light on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday:, is available from Apple Music.

And while you’re here, this is Billie Holiday with the Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra:

Trav’lin’ Light

Listen to Trav’lin’ Light on Spotify. Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra · Song · 2008.

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Song of the Day: Moments Like This

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 7, 2020, is “Moments Like This.”

About This Song

“Moments Like This” was in 1938 by Burton Lane, with lyrics by Frank Loesser, for a 1938 movie called College Swing and was introduced by Florence George. 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 1986 for his comeback album The Art of Excellence. The arrangement was written and conducted by Jorge Calendrelli. The cover photograph was done by Annie Liebovitz.

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

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Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Thursday, September 24, 2020, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.”

About This Song

“Don’t Like Goodbyes” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like Goodbyes” has been recorded by Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Like Goodbyes” for his 2004 album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available from Apple Music.

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