The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Lady is a Tramp

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 25, 2024, is “The Lady is a Tramp.”

About This Song

“The Lady is a Tramp” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1937 for the Broadway musical Babes In Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. The song was meant as a spoof on the high society of New York, where the singer is clear about what she likes to do, no matter what everyone else is doing. “The Lady Is A Tramp” has been sung by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “The Lady is a Tramp” in 2011 for Duets II. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

“The Lady is a Tramp,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video of the recording session:

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Song of the Day: Anything Goes

The song of the day for Monday, August 26, 2024, is “Anything Goes.”

About This Song

“Anything Goes” was written in 1934 by Cole Porter for the musical Anything Goes. In Anything Goes, Cole Porter and book writers Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse created one ofthe great musical comedy characters of all time: Reno Sweeney, played by Ethel Merman in the original 1934 production. The score contains many of Porter’s most popular songs, including “I Get a Kick Out You,” “You’re The Top,” and “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Anything Goes” in 2014 for their album Cheek To Cheek. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

“Anything Goes,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: She’s Funny That Way

The song of the day for Monday, August 12, 2024, is “She’s Funny That Way.”

About This Song

“She’s Funny That Way” was written in 1928 by Neil Moret and Richard Whiting (father of Margaret Whiting). This charming song is sung from the point of view of the young lover who is kind of amazed that the woman he loves seems to love him, in spite of his faults.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Funny That Way” on January 18, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangment and conducted the orchestra.

“She’s Funny That Way,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: On The Sunny Side of the Street

The song of the day for Saturday, August 10, 2024, is “On The Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On The Sunny Side of the Street” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for the 1930 Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Willie Nelson recorded “On The Sunny Side of the Street” in 2011 for Duets II. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

Duets II won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“On The Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video for this recording:

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Song of the Day: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Thursday, July 25, 2024, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for the 1942 wartime musical, Seven Day’s Leave. This torch song was introduced in the movie by Ginny Simms, with the Freddy Martin Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” on January 12, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. Evans continued to work with Bennett for many years, ending with his arrangements for Bennett’s last album, Love For Sale, released in 2021.

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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