The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Thou Swell

The song of the day for Sunday, October 22, 2022, is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hartfor the 1927 musical A Connecticut Yankee, based on the Mark Twain novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. “Thou Swell” is one of the more charming songs from the musical, as the lyrics feature a combination of modern and medieval language: “thine eyes are cute too” and “I’d feel so rich in a hut for two.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Thou Swell” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977.

“Thou Swell,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers and Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: This Can’t Be Love

The song of the day for Saturday, October 22, 2022, is “This Can’t Be Love.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote “This Can’t Be Love” in 1938 for the Broadway musical The Boys From Syracuse. It is one of their most joyous and least ironic love songs. Both Benny Goodman and Eddy Duchin recorded the song in the late 1930s. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording here, “This Can’t Be Love” has also been recorded by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “This Can’t Be Love” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennet Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released in 1976.

For the Rodgers and Hart recordings, Bennett worked with The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, featuring Graff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass.

“This Can’t Be Love,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 2, 2022, is “Blue Moon”

About This Song

“Blue Moon” was written in 1933 by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart. The tune first appeared in the 1934 film Manhattan Melodrama, though with a completely different lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blue Moon” on on June 19, 1957, and released the following year as a single. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Blue Moon” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 5 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Could Write a Book

The song of the day for Monday, April 25, 2022, is “I Could Write a Book.”

About This Song

“I Could Write a Book” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the Broadway musical Pal Joey, where it was introduced by Gene Kelly and Leila Ernst. This has always been an interesting song. Today it’s considered a lovely romantic number, but in the context of the musical, it’s sung as a phony love song in order to woo the innocent ingenue. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Betty Carter, Anita O’Day, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Could Write a Book” in 1973 with the Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet, which feature Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. The recording was released in 1976 on Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs.

“I Could Write a Book,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Wish I Were In Love Again

The song of the day for Sunday, March 13, 2022, is “I Wish I Were In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I Wish I Were In Love Again” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“I Wish I Were In Love Again,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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