The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: From This Moment On

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 26, 2021, is “From This Moment On.”

About This Song

Cole Porter originally wrote this song for his musical Out Of This World, but it was dropped from the show. It was used instead in Kiss Me Kate. For the film version of Kiss Me Kate, It was the basis for a fantastic dance choreographed (and danced) by a young Bob Fosse, featuring Ann Miller. Doris Day recorded this song as a single in 1950; the Frank Sinatra 1957 recording for A Swingin’ Affair! was instrumental in the popularity of this song. It has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and Susannah McCorkle.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “From This Moment On” at his stage show at the grand opening of The Sahara hotel in Las Vegas. The performance was captured for the album Live at The Sahara — Las Vegas 1964.

From This Moment On - Live at the Sahara Hotel, Las Vegas, NV - April 1964

Listen to From This Moment On - Live at the Sahara Hotel, Las Vegas, NV - April 1964 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“From This Moment On,” as well as Live at The Sahara – Las Vegas 1964, is available from Apple Music.

Thanks to YouTube, we’re happy to include that trademark Bob Fosse dance.

From This Moment On

Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Jeanne Coyne, Bobby Van, Carol Haney and Bob Fosse dancing to From This Moment On from Kiss Me Kate

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites