The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I’m Just a Lucky So and So

The song of the day for Friday, August 26, 2022, is “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So” was written in 1945 by Duke Ellington and Mack David. A favorite song of Tony Bennett, today’s song has also been recorded by Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” live at his famed Carnegie Hall concert on June 9, 1962, released on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall. The original release consisted of 4 LPs, but even then some songs weren’t included on that release; the 1997 CD release had all of the songs Bennett sang that night.

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue and Sentimental

The song of the day for Thursday, July 21, 2022, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the life of the late Kay Starr, who was born on July 21, 1922, in Oklahoma. At the age of 7, she placed third in a talent contest and was given a 15-minute radio show. By the age of 10, she was making $3 a night, which was good money in the Great Depression. She started out singing mostly Western Swing and Country and Western music. She soon branched out to include pop and jazz songs. Starr died on November 3, 2016, at the age of 94 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written in 1938 by Count Basie, Jerry Livingston, and Mack David. This song was initially recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra in 1938. It has since been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kay Starr recorded “Blue and Sentimental” in May 2001 and released that same year on Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. The vocals were arranged by Rob Mathes.

“Blue and Sentimental,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Just a Lucky So and So

The song of the day for Friday, August 13, 2021, is “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So” was written in 1945 by Duke Ellington and Mack David. A favorite song of Tony Bennett, “I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So” has also been recorded by Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded today’s song three times; today I’ve chosen his 1999 version for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Bennett recorded the album with The Ralph Sharon Quartet, featuring Sharon on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums. Ralph Burns, who Bennett first worked with in 1950, wrote the arrangement.

I"m Just A Lucky So And So

Listen to I"m Just A Lucky So And So on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1999

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue and Sentimental

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 21, 2021, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About Today

Today we are remembering the great Kay Starr, who was born on July 21, 1922, and died at the age of 94 on November 3, 2016. She was a remarkably versatile singer who excelled in popular music, jazz, and country music. Over her career, she worked with Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Roy Acuff, Count Basie, and many more.

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written in 1938 by Count Basie, Jerry Livington, and Mack David. Count Basie recorded his song in 1938; other recordings include those by The Mills Brothers, Michel Legrand, The King Cole Trio, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blue and Sentimental” with Kay Starr for his 2001 album Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. The vocals were arranged by Rob Mathes.

Blue and Sentimental (with Kay Starr)

Listen to Blue and Sentimental (with Kay Starr) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Kay Starr · 2001

“Blue and Sentimental,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Just a Lucky So and So

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 23, 2021, is “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So” was written by Duke Ellington and Mack David in 1945. A favorite song of Tony Bennett, “I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So” has also been recorded by Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” live at his Carnegie Hall concert on June 9, 1962. The concert was taped and released in August 1962 as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

I"m Just A Lucky So And So - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

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“I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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