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 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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Album of the Week: Cloud 7

The album of week starting on January 2, 2022, is Cloud 7.

Cloud 7 was Tony Bennett’s first full-length studio album and it was a jazz album. Having signed with Columbia Records in 1950, he had turned out a number of hit singles including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Sing You Sinners,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” and “Because of You,” Cloud 7 was the album that he had wanted to make–a solid jazz long-playing album with a solid group of jazz musicians.

As a first album by a young singer (Bennett was not even 30 when he made Cloud 7), it’s a remarkable album that defined Bennett not only as a vastly popular singer, but a jazz artist with impeccable taste and a true vision of his own artistry.

Album Facts

Release Data February 25, 1955
Label Columbia
Producer Mitch Miller
Vocals Tony Bennett
Arrangements Chuck Wayne, Charles Panely
Tenor Sax Al Cohn, Caeser DiMauro
Alto Sax Dave Schildkraut
Trumpet Charles Panely
Guitar Chuck Wayne
Piano Gene DiNovi, Harvey Leonard
Bass Clyde Lombardi
Drums Sonny Igor, Ed Shaughnessy

Listen to Cloud 7

You can also listen to Cloud 7 on