The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Saturday, November 7, 2026, is “In a Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In a Sentimental Mood” was written in 1935 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz. Ellington is said to have composed the tune while playing piano at a party. The song is popular for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Notable recordings include those by McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, and Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. This album was released in Ellington’s birth centennial year, 1899. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance at the 42nd Grammy Awards.

“In a Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

In 1963, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane released their album Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, with the addition of bassist and a drummer. Their recording of “In a Sentimental Mood” is outstanding.

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Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is “In a Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In a Sentimental Mood” was composed in 1935 by Duke Ellington; the lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills were added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. The album was released in 1999 to coincide with Duke Ellington’s centenary celebration.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“In a Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got “In a Sentimental Mood” from the 1963 album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane. It’s an extraordinary recording.

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Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, is “In a Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In a Sentimental Mood” was written in 1935 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“In a Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s original 1935 recording.

And here’s the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane. It’s really extraordinary.

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In A Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Friday, August 11, 2023, is “In A Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In A Sentimental Mood” was written by Duke Ellington in 1935; the lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills were added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“In A Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the wonderful 1962 recording by Duke Ellington and Joan Coltrane:

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Song of the Day: In A Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, is “In A Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

One of Duke Ellington’s most beautiful melodies, “In a Sentimental Mood” was composed in 1935, with the lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“In A Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1935 recording of “In A Sentimental Mood”