The song of the day for Wednesday, March 20, 2024, is “Twilight World.”

About Today

Today we remember Marian McPartland, born in Slough, England on March 20, 1918. She was a gifted pianist and composer and is probably best known as the host of Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on NPR from 1978 to 2011. She died on August 20, 2013, at the age of 95.

McPartland was a synesthete (a phenomenon where the sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive partway). McPartland experienced colors when listening to or performing music.

About This Song

“Twilight World” was written by Marian McPartland, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, in 1957. This ballad has proven to be one of her most enduring and popular songs. The tune is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, often played in a bossa nova style. The lyrics by Johnny Mercer are quite good, and the combination makes for a nearly perfect jazz song. Tony Bennett once said “Well, that song will last forever. It’s a beautiful song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Twilight World” on October 1, 1971, for his album With Love, released in 1972. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Twilight World,” as well as With Love, is available on Apple Music.

Tony Bennett appeared on McPartland’s Piano Jazz program twice: once in 1990 and again in 2004. Here’s the 2004 program, courtesy of National Public Radio.