The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In a Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Monday, April 29, 2019, is “In a Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “In a Mellow Tone,” was written in 1939 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. The melody was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” for his 1999 album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, which was released to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Duke Ellington.

Today we are celebrating Ellington’s birthday for the 120th anniversary of his birth. I firmly believe that the music of Duke Ellington will live on for at least another 120 years.

In A Mellow Tone

In A Mellow Tone, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“In a Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Monday, June 5, 2017 is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

Ellington’s “In a Mellow Tone,” written in 1939, was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. Milt Gabler wrote the lyrics. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in 1999 for his album of Duke Ellington songs, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Ralph Burns did the arrangement.

In A Mellow Tone

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Friday, February 3, 2017 is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

“In A Mellow Tone” was written by Duke Ellington, with lyrics from Milt Gabler, was written in 1939. This song was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, which was released on the centennial birthday of the great Duke Ellington. This recording was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns. It features the Ralph Sharon Quartet, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, Clayton Cameron on drums, and Gray Sargent on guitar. I especially like the opening of the song, which starts with just the singer and guitar, then piano and then the rest of the quartet. It’s a lovely beginning. Listen how the song grows throughout to finally bring in the band. Sargent’s guitar is outstanding on this recording.

In A Mellow Tone

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Sunday, April 17, 2016 is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

Duke Ellington wrote “In A Mellow Tone” in 1939, with lyrics by Milt Gabler.

“In A Mellow Tone” was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in 1999 for his album Tony Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It’s a terrific rendition.

In A Mellow Tone

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

Here’s Duke playing on a nice instrumental of “In A Mellow Tone.”

In a Mellow Tone

Listen to In a Mellow Tone on Spotify. Song · Duke Ellington · 1927

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 27, 2014 is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written by Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington in 1939, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. “In a Mellow Tone” was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett included this wonderful Duke Ellington song on his tribute album to Duke Ellington: Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, released in 1999 on the 100th anniversary of Ellington’s birth. This song features the Ralph Sharon Quartet, with Sharon on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums. The orchestration for this song is quite effective, with a very nice interlude from the quartet and big finish from the big band. Great work all around on a very fine song from Ellington.

In A Mellow Tone

Tony Bennett · Bennett Sings Ellington / Hot And Cool · Song · 1999


“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.