The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Once Upon a Time

The song of the day for Friday, January 23, 2026, is “Once Upon a Time.”

About This Song

“Once Upon a Time” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1962 Ray Bolger musical All American, where it was introduced by Bolger and Eileen Herlie. While the musical was not a major smash hit, the song is quite lovely. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon a Time” 64 years ago on January 23, 1962; “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was recorded on the same day as well. “Once Upon a Time” was released on the A-side of single, with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on the B-side. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement and conducted. Both songs were released later that year on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco.

“Once Upon a Time,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Once Upon a Time

The song of the day for Saturday, September 6, 2025, is “Once Upon a Time.”

About This Song

“Once Upon a Time” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1962 Ray Bolger musical All American, where it was introduced by Bolger and Eileen Herlie. While the musical was not a major smash hit, the song is quite lovely. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon a Time” on January 23, 1962. It was released as the A-side of a 45rpm record with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” as the B-side. Both songs were included on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, released in June 1962. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Once Upon a Time,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Put On A Happy Face

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, is “Put On A Happy Face.”

About Today

We want to wish James Taylor a very happy birthday. Taylor, Tony Bennett’s duet partner for today’s song, was born 77 years ago today on March 12, 1948.

About This Song

“Put On A Happy Face” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1960 Broadway musical Bye, Bye Birdie, which was based loosely on the story of Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army in 1957.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and James Taylor recorded “Put On A Happy Face” on February 7, 2006 for the 2006 album Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Put On A Happy Face,” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available on Apple Music.

We are happy to include the official video for the recording, which includes an interview with Tony Bennett, James Taylor, and Phil Ramone, who produced the album.

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Song of the Day: Put On A Happy Face

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, is “Put On A Happy Face.”

About Today

Today we want to wish James Taylor a very happy birthday! James was born on March 12, 1948. He’s won six Grammy Awards and was. inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He’s one the best-selling musicians of all time, having sold over 100 million records. Happy Birthday, James!

About This Song

“Put On A Happy Face” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1960 musical Bye, Bye Birdie, based loosely on the story of Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army in 1957.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and James Taylor recorded “Put On A Happy Face” on February 7, 2006, for Duets: An American Classic. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Put On A Happy Face,” as well as Duets: An American Classic, is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got a nice video from the taping of this duet, with a lovely introduction from Phil Ramone:

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Song of the Day: Once Upon a Time

The song of the day for Sunday, February 4, 2024, is “Once Upon a Time.”

About This Song

“Once Upon a Time” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1962 Ray Bolger musical All American, where it was introduced by Bolger and Eileen Herlie. While the musical was not a major smash hit, the song is quite lovely. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon a Time” on January 23, 1962, at the same session when he recorded “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” arranged by Marty Manning. “Once Upon a Time” was originally released on A-side of a 45 single, with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” relegated to the B-side. Later that year, both songs were released on the album, I Left My Heart in San Francisco.

“Once Upon a Time,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.