The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: True Blue Lou

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, is “True Blue Lou.”

About This Song

“True Blue Lou” was written in 1929 by Richard Whiting, with lyrics by Sam Coslow and Leo Robin, for the 1929 file musical The Dance of Life. The song was sung in the film by Hal Skelly, in the role of an out-of-work burlesque comedian. “True Blue Lou” was a standard song for Ethel Waters, who sang it throughout her career. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, Frank Sinatra also recorded it in the 1950s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “True Blue Lou” sixty-one years ago today on April 24, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“True Blue Lou,” as well as This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Sometimes I’m Happy

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 13, 2021, is “Sometimes I’m Happy.”

About This Song

“Sometimes I’m Happy” was written by Vincent Youmans, with lyrics by Leo Robin, Clifford Grey, and Irving Caesar, for the 1927 musical Hit The Deck. It found early favor as a popular song with numerous recordings in 1927. It has also proven a durable standard, with recordings by Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Betty Carter, Bing Crosby, and Billie Holiday, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sometimes I’m Happy” in 1962 for the album On The Glory Road. The album was ready to be released when Columbia cancelled the album. Thankfully, it was included in the 2011 Complete Collection box set.

Sometimes I"m Happy

Listen to Sometimes I"m Happy on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1962

“Sometimes I’m Happy,” as well as On The Glory Road, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It Was Written on the Stars

The song of the day for Monday, March 29, 2021, is “It Was Written on the Stars.”

About This Song

Harold Arlen and Leo Robin wrote “It Was Written In the Stars” for the 1948 movie Casbah, which starred Yvonne DeCarlo, Tony Martin, and Peter Lorre. Tony Martin introduced the song in the movie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Was Written on the Stars” in 1960 for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. It was arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser.

It Was Written In The Stars

Listen to It Was Written In The Stars on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1960

“It Was Written on the Stars,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Sometimes I’m Happy

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 8, 2020, is “Sometimes I’m Happy.”

About This Song

“Sometimes I’m Happy” was composed by Vincent Youmans, with lyrics by Leo Robin, Clifford Grey, and Irving Caesar, was written for the 1927 musical Hit The Deck. It found early favor as a popular song with numerous recordings in 1927. It has also proven a durable standard, with recordings by Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Betty Carter, Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sometimes I’m Happy” featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was to be released on the 1962 album On The Glory Road; however, Columbia pulled the album immediately before the release date. On The Glory Road was, thankfully, released as part of the 2011 Complete Collection and is also available on Apple Music and iTunes.

“Sometimes I’m Happy,” as well as On The Glory Road, is available from Apple Music.

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