The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: It Was Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 1, 2023, is “It Was Me.”

About This Song

“It Was Me” was written in 1960 by Gilbert Becaud as “C’etait Moi,” with English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. It’s a beautiful love song that brings memories of summers past and, maybe, to come. In 2009, Tony Bennett named this his favorite summer song in an NPR interview, attached below.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Was Me” on December 19, 1962, for the album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. It was arranged by Marty Manning.

“It Was Me,” as well as I Wanna Be Around is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Tony’s 2009 NPR interview with Melissa Block about his favorite summer song:

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Song of the Day: It Was Me

The song of the day for Monday, July 26, 2021, is “It Was Me.”

About This Song

“It Was Me” (“C’etait Moi” in the original French) was written in 1960 by Gilbert Bécaud and Maurice Vidalin; Norman Gimbel wrote the English lyrics. It’s a beautiful love song that brings memories of summers past and, maybe, to come. In 2009, Tony Bennett named this as his favorite summer song in an NPR interview.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Was Me” in 1962 for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning did the arrangement.

It Was Me

Listen to It Was Me on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1963.

“It Was Me,” as well as I Wanna Be Around is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that 2009 NPR story.

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Song of the Day: How Insensitive

The song of the day for Saturday, May 29, 2021, is “How Insensitive.”

About This Song

“How Insensitive,” or “Insensatez” in the original Portuguese, was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim in 1963. The original Portuguese lyrics were written by Vinicius de Moraes; the English lyrics were written by Norman Gimbel. This song has been widely recorded, including a very fine early recording with Jobim and Stan Getz for their 1963 album Jazz Samba Encore!.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “How Insensitive” in 1965 for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

How Insensitive

Listen to How Insensitive on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1965.

“How Insensitive,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Watch What Happens

The song of the day for Thursday, May 13, 2021, is “Watch What Happens.”

About This Song

“Watch What Happens” was written by Michel Legrand and Jacques Demy for the 1964 film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Normal Gimbel wrote the English lyrics. Tony Bennett’s was the first recording of the song, other than the film score, and the first in English.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Watch What Happens” in January 1965 for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

Watch What Happens

Listen to Watch What Happens on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1965.

“Watch What Happens,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Watch What Happens

The song of the day for Friday, November 6, 2020, is “Watch What Happens.”

About This Song

“Watch What Happens” was written by Michel Legrand for the 1964 film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. The original French lyrics were written by Jacques Demy, who also directed the film. The English lyrics were written by Norman Gimbel. Tony Bennett’s was the first recording of the song, other than the film soundtrack, and the first in English.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Watch What Happens” in 1965 for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

Watch What Happens

Listen to Watch What Happens on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1965.

“Watch What Happens,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, is available from Apple Music.

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