The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Foolish Heart

The song of the day for Thursday, March 10, 2016 is “My Foolish Heart.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “My Foolish Heart,” was written in 1949 by Victor Young and Ned Washington for a widely-panned film of the same name, based on a J.D. Salinger short story. Time magazine excoriated the score: “nothing offsets the blight of such tear-splashed excesses as the bloop-bleep-bloop of a sentimental ballad on the soundtrack.” Based on his experience with this film, Salinger refused to let any of his works ever be filmed.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans chose “My Foolish Heart” for their first album, The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, recorded in 1975.

My Foolish Heart

Bill Evans، Tony Bennett · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“My Foolish Heart,” as well as The Complete Tony Bennett Bill Evans Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Stella By Starlight

The song of the day for Monday, November 16, 2015 is “Stella By Starlight.”

About This Song

“Stella by Starlight,” composed by Victor Young, was introduced in 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 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. The arranger was Ralph Burns, who also arranged Bennett’s 1959 album Hometown, My Town. With Bennett and Burns together, it’s a terrific jazz vocals album.

Stella By Starlight

Listen to Stella By Starlight on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1961


“Stella By Starlight,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: My Foolish Heart

The song of the day for Friday, June 10, 2015 is “My Foolish Heart.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “My Foolish Heart,” was written in 1949 by Victor Young and Ned Washington for the film of the same name. The film was based on a J.D. Salinger short story; the film received very poor reviews and was such a bad experience for Salinger that he refused to talk to Hollywood ever again about rights to any of his work.

About This Version

Today’s version is from the 1975 album The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, the first of their two albums.

I’ve heard many awful renditions of this song over the years. But in the hands of these two masters, it is as significant and meaningful as any art song every written.

About Today

I’m really happy to be back. I’m not 100% yet, but am getting there. Thanks to everyone for your support and well-wishes. As Duke Ellington would say, “I love you madly.”

My Foolish Heart

Bill Evans، Tony Bennett · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“My Foolish Heart,” as well as The Complete Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Stella By Starlight

The song of the day for Monday, April 6, 2015 is “Stella By Starlight.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Stella By Starlight,” was composed in 1944 by Victor Young for the film The Uninvited, which starred Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey. The lyrics by Ned Washington were added in 1946. It was recorded in 1947 by Harry James and Frank Sinatra; 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. It was arranged by Ralph Burns and produced by Ernie Altschuler.

About Today

Fifty-four years ago today, April 6, 1961, Tony Bennett and Ralph Burns recorded five songs for the album My Heart Sings: “Dancing In The Dark,” “The Rules Of The Road,” “It Never Was You,” My Ship” and today’s song, “Stella By Starlight.” In addition to the excellent arrangements by Burns, a fine group of musicians played on this album, including Bernie Leighton, Milt Hinton, Chuck Wayne and Eddie Costa. The entire album has a wonderful sound and well-worth a close listen. The date link will take you The Interactive Tony Bennett Discography topic on this session.

Stella By Starlight

Listen to Stella By Starlight on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1961


“Stella By Starlight,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: My Foolish Heart

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 4, 2015 is “My Foolish Heart.”

About This Song

Composed by Victor Young, with lyrics by Ned Washington, “My Foolish Heart” was written for a widely-panned film of the same name, based on a J.D. Salinger short story. Time magazine excoriated the score: “nothing offsets the blight of such tear-splashed excesses as the bloop-bleep-bloop of a sentimental ballad on the soundtrack.” The experience of the film caused Mr. Salinger to never speak to anyone from Hollywood ever again. But in spite of all that, the song is lovely and is one of the most beloved songs performed by jazz and cabaret artists.

About This Version

Today’s version of “My Foolish Heart” is from the first of Tony Bennett’s and Bill Evans’ albums: The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, recorded and released in 1975 under the Fantasy label. The album is revered by many jazz fans of both artists (including your author) and is widely considered to be one of the finest jazz vocal albums ever made. This is due in no small part to the fact that Bill Evans is not just an accompanist; these are two musicians, each masters of their respective instruments, making extraordinary music.

My Foolish Heart

Bill Evans، Tony Bennett · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“My Foolish Heart,” as well as The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.