The song of the day for October 16, 2023, is “Penthouse Serenade.”

About This Song

“Penthouse Serenade” was written by Will Jason and Val Burton in 1931. It’s one of the classic Depression-era songs with the yearning for the glamorous Manhattan apartment by the poor, yet romantic, couple. The first known use of “Penthouse Serenade” was for the 1933 animated short Betty Boop’s Penthouse, where it was sung by Mae Questel. On a more serious note, “Penthouse Serenade” has had exceptional recordings: Nat King Cole recorded it in 1952 as a piano solo for an album of the same name and Tony Bennett’s recording for his 1959 album Hometown, My Town is really wonderful with a brilliant arrangement by Ralph Burns.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Penthouse Serenade” on November 6, 1958, for his album Hometown, My Town, released in 1959. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Penthouse Serenade,” as well as Hometown, My Town, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Betty Boop (voiced by May Questal) singing “Penthouse Serenade” from 1933: