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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

April 20, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Exactly Like You

The song of the day for Thursday, April 21, 2022, is “Exactly Like You.”

About This Song

“Exactly Like You” was written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” While the reviewers were not kind to the production, the score was then, and remains still, quite noteworthy. Even though Fields’ lyrics for the song are very fine, the early recordings of the song were mostly instrumentals, such as that by Louis Armstrong. The song became popular again in 1936, with a fine recording by Benny Goodman that featured Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone, followed by the 1937 recording by Count Basie, which included the vocals by Jimmy Rushing. Later notable recordings include those by Carmen McRae (1954), Bing Crosby (1944), Patti Page (1949), Anita O’Day (1975), Nina Simone (1959), and Diana Krall (2006).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Exactly Like You” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, which consisted of songs associated with Louis Armstrong. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“Exactly Like You,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: A Wonderful World, Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, k d lang, Lee Musiker, Louis Armstrong, Peter Matz, Tony Bennett

December 31, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: What a Wonderful World

The song of the day for Saturday, January 1, 2022, is “What a Wonderful World.”

About This Song

“What a Wonderful World” was written by Bob Thiele (as George Douglas) and George David Weiss in 1967. Written at a time of great political and racial unrest in America, “What A Wonderful World” was a kind, gentle and positive song that was very well received. Louis Armstrong recorded it first and it was a big hit for him, selling over a million singles. Even though this song has been recorded by many fine artists, including Tony Bennett, it remains closely identified with Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded What a Wonderful World for their 2002 album “What a Wonderful World,” consisting of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangements.

“What a Wonderful World,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bob Thiele, George David Weiss, George Douglas, k d lang, Lee Musiiker, Tony Bennett

December 9, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’m Confessing

The song of the day for Friday, December 10, 2021, is “I’m Confessing.”

About This Song

“I’m Confessing (That I Love You)” was written in 1930 by Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, and Al J. Neiburg. The song had a somewhat odd start. It was first known as “Lookin’ for Another Sweetie,” with lyrics credited to Chris Smith and Sterling Grant, and was recorded by Fats Waller in 1929. Al Neiburg wrote the new lyrics and the song was recast in 1930 with its current title. Louis Armstrong made the first recording of it in 1930, and in spite of many other recordings, it remains strongly identified with Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “I’m Confessing” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, consisting of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“I’m Confessing,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here is Armstrong’s 1930 recording:

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: A Wonderful World, Al J. Neiburg, Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, k d lang, Lee Musicker, Louis Armstrong, Peter Matz, Rob Mathes, Tony Bennett

December 3, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Moonglow

The song of the day for Saturday, December 4, 2021, is “Moonglow.”

About This Song

“Moonglow” was written in 1933 by Will Hudson and Irving Mills, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange. The first recordings were by Joe Venuti and His Orchestra, Ethel Waters, and The Benny Goodman Orchestra. Later recordings include those by Billie Holiday and Artie Shaw.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Moonglow” on April 12, 1994, on MTV Unplugged. This was the first time they sang together, but certainly not the last. The album MTV Unplugged won the 1994 Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Performance.

“Moonglow,” as well as MTV Unplugged is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the video of this song’s performance.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Eddie DeLange, Irving Mills, k d lang, MTV Unplugged, Tony Bennett, Will Hudson

September 11, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Live! Moonglow

The song of the day for Saturday, September 12, 2020, is “Moonglow.”

About This Song

“Moonglow” was written in 1933 by Will Hudson and Irving Mills, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange. It’s been a popular song since it was written. The first recordings were by Joe Venuti and His Orchesta, Ethel Waters, and The Benny Goodman Orchestra. Later recordings include those by Billie Holiday and Artie Shaw.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and guest k.d. lang recorded “Moonglow” in 1994 for Bennett’s MTV Unplugged live performance. This led to a long-term collaboration of the two singers, including one of my favorites, A Wonderful World, consisting of songs associated with Louis Armstrong.

“Moonglow,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day, Tony Live! Tagged With: Eddie DeLange, Irving Mills, k d lang, MTV Unplugged, Tony Bennett, Will Hudson

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