The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Monday, May 2, 2022, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and 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 his album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the rest of the album, was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

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

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Song of the Day: The Lady Is A Tramp

The song of the day for Monday, March 28, 2022, is “The Lady Is A Tramp.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is very pleased to wish Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (known professionally as Lady Gaga) a very happy birthday. Lady Gaga was born on March 28, 1986. Happy birthday!!

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. 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. More recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga sang a duet of this song on their 2011 album “Duets II.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “The Lady Is A Tramp” for the 2011 album Duets II. The terrific arrangement was written by our good friend Marion Evans.

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

Here’s the video from the recording session.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra and big band.

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” 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 Monday, February 28, 2022, 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 and Dorothy Fields for 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 1992 for Duets II. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

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

We’ve got a video of Bennett and Nelson recording the song:

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Song of the Day: Country Girl

The song of the day for Saturday, January 29, 2022, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written in 1966 by Robert Farnon, the Canadian-born composer, conductor, arranger, and trumpet player. He composed both light classical and popular music, as well as film and television scores. Robert Farnon worked with Tony Bennett on several albums, including the wonderful 1968 Snowfall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Country Girl” in 1966 for his album Tony Makes It Happen!, released in 1967. This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“Country Girl,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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