The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Friday, March 13, 2026, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1934 movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” on April 17, 1950, at his very first recording session after he signed with Columbia Records. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as The Columbia Singles Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

Dear Mr. Bennett

The John Pizzarelli Trio (Pizzarelli on guitar and vocals, Michael Karn on bass, and Isaiah J. Thompson on piano) recorded “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” for Dear Mr. Bennett, released in March 2026.

Dear Mr. Bennett is available for purchase on CD and vinyl at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tower Records, and other record stores. It is also available on most popular streaming services.

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Song of the Day: The Good Life

The song of the day for Monday, February 9, 2026, is “The Good Life.”

About This Song

“The Good Life” was written in 1942 by Sacha Distel (music) and Jack Reardon (lyrics). The song was featured in the 1962 French film The Seven Deadly Sins. Tony Bennett is the singer most widely identified with “The Good Life.” Other notable recordings include those by Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, and Stephane Grappelli. It has been said that Distel wrote this song about Bridgette Bardot, who refused Distel’s marriage proposal.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Good Life” on December 19, 1962, for the album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“The Good Life,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Once Upon a Time

The song of the day for Friday, January 23, 2026, is “Once Upon a Time.”

About This Song

“Once Upon a Time” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1962 Ray Bolger musical All American, where it was introduced by Bolger and Eileen Herlie. While the musical was not a major smash hit, the song is quite lovely. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon a Time” 64 years ago on January 23, 1962; “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was recorded on the same day as well. “Once Upon a Time” was released on the A-side of single, with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on the B-side. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement and conducted. Both songs were released later that year on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco.

“Once Upon a Time,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Comes Once in a Lifetime

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, is “Comes Once in a Lifetime.”

About This Song

“Comes Once in a Lifetime” was written by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green for the 1961 musical Subways Are For Sleeping, based on a true story first reported in Harper’s Magazine about well-dressed homeless people who slept on subways in New York. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Comes Once in a Lifetime” on September 9, 1961, and released it as a single. The recording was used for the 1962 album Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits. It was arranged by Marty Manning.

“Comes Once in a Lifetime,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin in 1933 for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although many artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby in 1944), this song is strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, Mitch Miller heard his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” on April 17, 1950; it was his first recording for Columbia Records. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement. “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “I Wanna Be Loved,” which were recorded in the same session, were released on a 78RPM record on May 22, 1950.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

We also have this video of Tony Bennett singing “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” from 1959 (though I think the date might be earlier than that). The image is poor, but the sound quality is good.