The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Stella by Starlight

The song of the day for Thursday, August 18, 2022, is “Stella by Starlight.”

About This Song

“Stella by Starlight” was written in 1944 by Victor Young for the 1944 film The Uninvited; the lyrics by Ned Washington were added in 1946. The song was recorded in 1947 by Harry James and Frank Sinatra; it has been frequently recorded ever since. It became a jazz standard in the early 1950s, with recordings by Stan Getz, Bud Powell, and Stan Kenton. It ranks as the 10th most important jazz title at jazzstandards.com.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Stella by Starlight” on April 6, 1961, for his album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

“Stella by Starlight,” as well as My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Dancing in the Dark

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 16, 2022, is “Dancing in the Dark.”

About This Song

“Dancing in the Dark” was written for the 1931 revue The Band Wagon and is widely considered to be the finest of the songs written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz. Alec Wilder in American Popular Song describes it as “a very strong song with a superb, poetic lyric.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recordedv “Dancipng in the Dark” on April 6, 1961, for his album My Heart Sings. The wonderful arrangement was written by Ralph Burns.

“Dancing in the Dark,” as well as My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Stella By Starlight

The song of the day for Thursday, March 24, 2022, is “Stella By Starlight.”

About This Song

“Stella By Starlight” was written by Victor Young for the 1944 film The Uninvited; the lyrics by Ned Washington were added in 1946. The song was recorded in 1947 by Harry James and Frank Sinatra and it has been frequently recorded ever since. It found its way as a jazz standard in the early 1950s, with recordings by Stan Getz, Bud Powell, and Stan Kenton. It ranks as the 10th most important jazz title at jazzstandards.com.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Stella By Starlight” in 1961 for his album My Heart Sings, which was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns.

“Stella By Starlight,” as well as My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Comin’ Virginia

The song of the day for Sunday, August 8, 2021, is “I’m Comin’ Virginia.”

About This Song

“I’m Comin’ Virginia” was written in 1926 by Donald Heywood and Will Marion Cook. It’s been recorded by many of the great jazz performers: Bix Beiderbecke, Bunny Berigan, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, and Ruby Braff. Alec Wilder in American Popular Song notes that it is “.. an unusual and a very good song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Comin’ Virginia” in 1961 for the album My Heart Sings. It was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns.

I"m Coming Virginia

Listen to I"m Coming Virginia on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“I’m Comin’ Virginia,” as well as My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Dancing In The Dark

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 20, 2021, is “Dancing In The Dark.”

About This Song

“Dancing In The Dark” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1931 revue The Band Wagon and is widely considered to be the finest of the songs written by Schwartz and Dietz. Alec Wilder in American Popular Song describes it as “… a very strong song with a superb, poetic lyric.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Dancing In The Dark” in 1961 for the album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the very fine arrangement.

Dancing in the Dark

Listen to Dancing in the Dark on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“Dancing In The Dark,” as well as My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.

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