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, 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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Song of the Day: My Heart Sings

The song of the day for Friday, July 2, 2021, is “My Heart Sings.”

About This Song

“My Heart Sings” was written by Jean Blanvillain, also known as Jamblin, with original lyrics by Laurent Herpin and English lyrics by Harold Rome. The song was used in the 1945 musical Anchors Aweigh, where it was introduced by Kathryn Grayson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Heart Sings” in 1961 for the album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns conducted and arranged all of the songs on this album. Your author is quite excited to have recently purchased a like-new original LP of this album! Even the case is like new. I’ll be listening this weekend.

(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings

Listen to (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“My Heart Sings,” as well as the album My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me

The song of the day for Sunday, May 9, 2021, is “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me.”

About This Song

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” was written by Rube Bloom and Ted Koehler for the 1933 Cotton Club Parade — World’s Fair Edition.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” in 1961 for his album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the orchestration.

Don"t Worry "Bout Me

Listen to Don"t Worry "Bout Me on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available from Apple Music.

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