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, March 10. 2021, is “The Lady is a Tramp.”

About This Song

“The Lady is a Tramp” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 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. It features an impeccable arrangement by Marion Evans.

This was the first time the pair worked together. Since that time, they put out the album Cheek to Cheek in 2014 and another album is due later this year.

The Lady is a Tramp

Listen to The Lady is a Tramp on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2011.

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

And here are Tony and Lady Gaga!

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, December 6, 2020, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane, with lyrics by Yip Harburg, for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Old Devil Moon” in 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! It features a wonderful arrangement by our good friend Marion Evans.

Old Devil Moon – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Old Devil Moon – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

The song of the day for Monday, October 5, 2020, is “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart.”

About This Song

“I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” was written in 1938 by Duke Ellington; the lyrics were written by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo, and John Redmond. It was a major hit for Ellington, reaching #1 on the charts. In addition to his own recording that year, other recordings by Benny Goodman and Mildred Bailey were made that year and were extremely popular as well. In 1952 Ellington named this song as one of his eleven favorites.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans arranged the album and conducted as well. Like all of the work Evans did for Bennett, the arrangement is just great.

“I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Lady’s In Love With You

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 12, 2020, is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

“The Lady’s In Love With You” was composed by Burton Lane, with lyrics by Frank Loesser, for the 1939 film Some Like It Hot (not to be confused with the excellent 1959 Billy Wilder film), where it was introduced by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. It’s been widely recorded, including those by Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Margaret Whiting, and Michael Feinstein.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Lady’s In Love With You” for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“The Lady’s In Love With You,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Thursday, June 25, 2020, is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On the Sunny Side of the Street” was written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The song was introduced in Lew Leslie’s International Revue. It 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 recorded “On the Sunny Side of the Street” for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen! Friend of this site Marion Evans arranged and conducted this song, as well as the entire album.

“On the Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from Apple Music.

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