The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Dream A Little Dream Of Me

The song of the day for Friday, August 4, 2023, is “Dream A Little Dream Of Me.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to celebrate the great Louis Armstrong, who was born in New Orleans, LA on August 4, 1901.

About This Song

“Dream A Little Dream Of Me” was written in 1931 by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It was first recorded in 1931 by Ozzie Nelson and also by Wayne King and His Orchestra. The song has remained popular over the decades, with recordings by Kate Smith, Frankie Laine, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Doris Day, and even The Mamas and The Papas, with Mama Cass. Louis Armstrong first recorded the song in 1950.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” in March 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, consisting of songs associated with Louis Armstrong.

“Dream A Little Dream Of Me,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Velvet

The song of the day for Saturday, February 25, 2023, is “Blue Velvet.”

About This Song

“Blue Velvet” was written in 1950 by Bernie Williams and Lee Morris. Tony Bennett’s 1951 recording of “Blue Velvet” was the first recording of the song and was one of his early hits for Columbia.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Blue Velvet” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Blue Velvet,” as well as Duets II is available on Apple Music.

Here are Tony and k.d. lang from the recording session:

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Song of the Day: Because of You

The song of the day for Sunday, February 19, 2023, is “Because of You.”

About This Song

“Because of You” was written in 1940 by Arthur Hammerstein and Dudley Wilkinson. It was Tony Bennett’s first major hit, recorded in 1951.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Because of You” on February 10, 2006, for Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Because of You,” as well as Duets: An American Classic is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: What a Wonderful World

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 7, 2023, is “What a Wonderful World.”

About This Song

“What a Wonderful World” was written in 1967 by Bob Thiele (as George Douglas) and George David Weiss. 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” in March 2002 for their album A Wonderful World.

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

Here’s Armstrong’s recording of “A Wonderful World.”

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Song of the Day: You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart

The song of the day for Sunday, February 5, 2023, is “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart.”

About This Song

“You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” was written in 1931 by James P. Johnson and Flournoy Earkin Miller. Johnson, a composer who was also known as a Harlem Stride pianist, collaborated with author and producer Miller to produce the Sugar Hill revue in 1931 for this song. Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday recorded “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart” as a duet with Sy Oliver and His Orchestra in 1949 on the Decca label.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” in March 2002 for the album A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Louis Armstrong and Billy Holiday 1949 duet of “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” on the Decca label: