The song of the day for Thursday, June 18, 2026, is “The Very Thought of You.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is pleased to honor Sir Paul McCartney on his 84th birthday. He was born in Liverpool, England, on June 18, 1942. We wish you a very happy birthday. You were always my favorite Beatle.

About This Song

“The Very Thought of You” was written by Ray Noble in 1934. This ballad has been popular since it was written in 1934. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it that same year. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Paul MCartney recorded “The Very Thought of You” for the 2006 album Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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

Paul McCartney is no stranger to the Great American Songbook. In 2012, he released Kisses on the Bottom, consisting of standards from the era. One of my favorites from that album is “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, wth lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose.