The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Comes Once in a Lifetime

The song of the day for Monday, April 22, 2024, is “Comes Once in a Lifetime.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Comes Once in a Lifetime” on September 9, 1961, and was released as a single that same year. The recording was also 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, April 17, 2024, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1933 film Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby in 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” 74 years ago today on April 17, 1950, at his very first recording session with Columbia Records. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement. It was released as a single on May 22, 1950.

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

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Sunday, February 18, 2024, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About Today

Today’s song is from Bennett’s album I Wanna Be Around, released 61 years ago today on February 18, 1963.

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” (known as “Corcovada” in the original Portuguese) was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; the
English lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. This song has a serene quiet feeling–the English title fits the mood of the song perfectly. Both Stan Getz and Miles Davis recorded jazz versions of “Quiet Nights.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” on December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” 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 Sunday, February 4, 2024, 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” on January 23, 1962, at the same session when he recorded “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” arranged by Marty Manning. “Once Upon a Time” was originally released on A-side of a 45 single, with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” relegated to the B-side. Later that year, both songs were released 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: The Good Life

The song of the day for Monday, January 29, 2024, is “The Good Life.”

About Today

We are remembering composer Sacha Distel on the anniversary of his birth on January 29, 1933. In addition to composing, Distel was a famed guitarist and singer. He was awarded the Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur in 1997. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 71.

About This Song

“The Good Life” was written in 1962 by Sacha Distel and Jack Reardon for the movie Seven Capital Sins. Tony Bennett is the singer most widely identified with “The Good Life;” other good 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 his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. The song was arranged by Marty Manning.

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