An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett
The song of the day for Sunday, September 20, 2020, is “All Of You.”
“All Of You” was written by Cole Porter for the 1954 Broadway musical Silk Stockings, where it was introduced by Don Ameche. Bill Evans played it at his legendary album Sunday at the Village Vanguard, recorded live.
Tony Bennett performed “All Of You” at his 1994 live performance on MTV Unplugged.
“All Of You,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.
The song of the day for Saturday, September 19, 2020, is “A Foggy Day.”
“A Foggy Day” was written by George and Ira Gershwin. It was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1937 movie A Damsel in Distress. The song has been quite popular with many great recordings, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday.
Tony Bennett recorded “A Foggy Day” with The Ralph Sharon Trio on his live performance on MTV Unplugged. In addition to Sharon on piano, the trio consisted of Doug Richeson on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums.
“A Foggy Day,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.
The song of the day for Sunday, September 13, 2020, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”
“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Fred Astaire – Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs that Astaire introduced in his films, there was no dance number associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.
Tony Bennett and guest Elvis Costello sang “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” on Bennett’s live performance on MTV Unplugged.
“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.
The song of the day for Saturday, September 12, 2020, is “Moonglow.”
“Moonglow” was written in 1933 by Will Hudson and Irving Mills, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange. It’s been a popular song since it was written. The first recordings were by Joe Venuti and His Orchesta, Ethel Waters, and The Benny Goodman Orchestra. Later recordings include those by Billie Holiday and Artie Shaw.
Tony Bennett and guest k.d. lang recorded “Moonglow” in 1994 for Bennett’s MTV Unplugged live performance. This led to a long-term collaboration of the two singers, including one of my favorites, A Wonderful World, consisting of songs associated with Louis Armstrong.
“Moonglow,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.
The song of the day for Sunday, September 6, 2020, is “Steppin’ Out.”
“Steppin’ Out With My Baby” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1948 film musical Easter Parade, which starred Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. The score of Easter Parade won the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score.
Tony Bennett sings “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” from his 1994 live performance on MTV Unplugged.
“Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.