The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Tony Live! Once Upon a Time

The song of the day for Saturday, May 24, 2020, 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 recordings, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Once Upon a Time” in 1964 at his appearance at The Sahara in Las Vegas. Recorded by the great Frank Laico, the set (including a comedy break with Milton Berle and Don Rickles), was released in 2011 on CD as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“Once Upon a Time,” as well as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Saturday, May 23, 2020, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; the English lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. Known in the original Portuguese as “Corcovado,” this is one the great early bossa nova songs. The song has a serene quiet feeling–the English title fits the mood of the song perfectly. Both Stan Getz and Miles Davis recorded jazz versions of “Quiet Nights.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” on April 8, 1964, it was recorded live in the Conga Room at The Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. The recording was released in 2011 as Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” as well as Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, May 17, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “The Rules of the Road” at The Sahara, taped for the album Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Time After Time

The song of the day for Sunday, March 29, 2020, is “Time After Time.”

About This Song

“Time After Time” was written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn in 1947 for the movie It Happened in Brooklyn. The song was introduced by Frank Sinatra and was a major hit for him.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Time After Time” in 1964 at The Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. The recording was released in 2011 on Live At The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“Time After Time,” as well as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Keep Smiling at Trouble

The song of the day for Saturday, March 28, 2020, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. It was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded his show at The Sahara in Las Vegas in April 1964, including “Keep Smiling at Trouble.” The show was released in 2011 as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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