The song of the day for Sunday, February 22, 2015 is “Watch What Happens.”

About This Song

“Watch What Happens” was written for the 1964 French film The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg or Les parapluies de Cherbourg in the original French. The music was written by Micheal Legrand with the original lyrics by the director, Jacques Demy. Norman Gimbel wrote the English lyrics. The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg is a lovely film. It is completely sung-through, which at first thought may seem somewhat odd, but it is so well-written and directed, that it all seems perfectly natural. The films stars the absolutely glorious Catherine Deneuve, who was only 20 years old when the film was made. It shows up on Turner Classic Movies at least once or twice a year and is certainly worth your time. And, Michel Legrand’s score is brilliant.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded several of Michel Legrand’s song, including his wonderful version of “How Do You Keep The Music Playing.” His first Legrand recording was “Once Upon A Summertime,” from his 1962 album I Wanna Be Around. I’m glad that he included “Watch What Happens” on this album; he sings it very well and it’s a high point on If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set.

“Watch What Happens,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs for the Jet Set, is available from iTunes.