The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: There’s a Small Hotel

The song of the day for Saturday, October 25, 2025, is “There’s a Small Hotel.”

About This Song

“There’s a Small Hotel” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart in 1935. Originally written for the musical Jumbo, it was used the next year in On Your Toes, where it was introduced by Ray Bolger and Doris Carson. The song has been recorded by artists including Chet Baker, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Della Reese, in addition to Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’s a Small Hotel” in July 1973 with The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, with Braff on cornet, George Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. It was released on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart.

“There’s a Small Hotel,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

The song of the day for Thursday, October 2, 2025, is “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.”

About This Song

“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1935 musical Jumbo. It has become a jazz and popular standard. The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra had a Top 40 hit with the song in 1953. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” in July 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart. Playing for Bennett was the The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, featuring Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass.

“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Have You Met Miss Jones?

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, is “Have You Met Miss Jones?”.

About This Song

“Have You Met Miss Jones?” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical I’d Rather Be Right. It’s one of their sweetest and most charming love songs, as the young man who is introduced to Miss Jones and falls in love immediately. In addition to Bennett’s recording, other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Have You Met Miss Jones?” on October 15, 1964, with a terrific jazz quartet: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums). This recording was released on several compilation albums. It’s currently available on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, originally available as part of the Complete Collection box set and online with music streaming services.

“Have You Met Miss Jones?” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Sunday, August 17, 2025, is “I Wish I Were In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I Wish I Were In Love Again” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lary Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Stacey Kent, and Joni Mitchell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in June 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977. The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet accompanied Bennett for this album.

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

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Song of the Day: This Can’t Be Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, is “This Can’t Be Love.”

About This Song

“This Can’t Be Love” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1938 Broadway musical The Boys From Syracuse. It is one of their most joyous and least ironic love songs. Both Benny Goodman and Eddy Duchin recorded the song in the late 1930s. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording here, “This Can’t Be Love” has also been recorded by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, recorded “This Can’t Be Love” from July 12-16, 1973, on his Improv label for the album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs in 1973. Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, was also released in 1973. The songs were later released on The Complete Improv Recordings and Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook.

The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet was formed in 1973, with Braff on trumpet and cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. In July 1973, Tony Bennett and the quartet performed a concert at Alice Tully Hall in New York. The quartet played instrumentals the first half of the concert; Tony Bennett joined them for the second half and sang Rodgers and Hart songs. They recorded those songs two weeks later.

“This Can’t Be Love,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.