The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Get a Kick Out of You

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 26, 2021, is “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

About This Song

“I Get a Kick Out of You” was written for Porter’s 1934 musical Anything Goes, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman. It’s been popular since then and has been recorded by artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Anita O’Day, Max Roach, and many more. The original lyrics reference the use of cocaine (I get no kick from cocaine), and that particular line in the lyric is often rewritten, often to champagne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I Get a Kick Out of You” for their 2021 album Love For Sale. The arrangement is by Marion Evans, who conducted the big band. They are also accompanied by The Tony Bennett Quartet.

“I Get a Kick Out of You,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got You Under My Skin

The song of the day for Monday, October 11, 2021, is “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” in 1936 for the film musical Born To Dance, where it was introduced by Virginia Bruce. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to “The Way You Look Tonight.” This song has been recorded many times since it was written. Of particular note are the 1956 Frank Sinatra recording on Songs for Swinging Lovers! and Diana Krall’s live recording in Live In Paris, released in 2002.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” for their 2021 album of Cole Porter songs, Love For Sale. Friend of this blog, Marion Evans, wrote the arrangement and conducted the big band. Evans’ first album with Tony Bennett was in 1967 for Tony Makes It Happen!

I"ve Got You Under My Skin

© 2021 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment /Interscope Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. ℗ 2021 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment /Interscope Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

“I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: She’s Funny That Way

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 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 singer Margaret Whiting). The song was written for the short film Gems of MGM, which was filmed in 1929 but wasn’t released until 1932. Significant recordings include those by Gene Austin, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Margaret Whiting.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Funny That Way” in 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by Marion Evans.

She"s Funny That Way

Listen to She"s Funny That Way on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

“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: I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart

The song of the day for Friday, July 23, 2021, 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, with lyrics by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo, and John Redmond. The song was a major hit for Duke 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 Tony Makes It Happen! The song was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart

Listen to I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

“I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 13, 2021, is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

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

The Lady"s In Love with You

Listen to The Lady"s In Love with You on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

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

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