The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Saturday, April 22, 2023, 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 for Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Audra McDonald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in June 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: I Could Write a Book

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 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 July 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released on Bennett’s Improv label in 1976.

“I Could Write a Book,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Manhattan

The song of the day for Thursday, March 16, 2023, is “Manhattan.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birth of Ruby Braff, one of the leaders of the quartet that played with Tony Bennett for his recordings of Rodgers and Hart in 1970s. You can read more about Braff, who was born on March 16, 1927, on Wikipedia.

About This Song

“Manhattan” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart in 1925 for the Garrick Gaieties. The song has remained popular up to today and is frequently recorded by jazz and popular singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, “Manhattan” has been recorded by Blossom Dearie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, and Dinah Washington. It is often used in films, including Silent Movie, Mighty Aphrodite, and The English Patient.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Manhattan” with The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet in July 1973. The quartet featured Braff on cornet and trumpet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. The first album of the recordings with the quartet was released in 1976 as Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs.

“Manhattan,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rogers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Lady is a Tramp

The song of the day for Monday, February 20, 2023, is “The Lady is a Tramp.”

About This Song

“The Lady is a Tramp” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes In Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. The song was meant as a spoof on the high society of New York, where the singer is clear about what she likes to do, no matter what everyone else is doing. “The Lady Is A Tramp” has been sung by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “The Lady is a Tramp” in 2011 for the album Duets II. It was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

Duets II won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“The Lady is a Tramp,” as well as Duets II is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the recording for “The Lady is a Tramp” with Lady Gaga and 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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