The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 10, 2025, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Norah Jones recorded “Speak Low” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Speak Low,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Sunday, March 2, 2025, is “Speak Low.”

About Today

We are remembering the composer of today’s song, Kurt Weill. Weill was born in Germany on March 2, 1950. While living in Germany, he worked with Bertold Brecht on The Threepenny Opera, including its famous song, “Mack The Knife.” Weill, who was Jewish, fled Germany in 1933. With his wife, Lotte Lenya, he moved to New York in 1935 and continued writing for films and the stage. His American works include One Touch Of Venus, Lost in the Stars, and Knickerbocker Holiday. Weill died in 1950 from a heart attack.

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and poet Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Speak Low” on March 28, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums, accompanied Bennett on this album.

“Speak Low,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Friday, May 24, 2024, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Norah Jones recorded “Speak Low” in 2011 for Duets II. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video of “Speak Low” from Duets II:

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Friday, February 24, 2023, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written in 1943 by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Norah Jones recorded “Speak Low” in 2011 for Duets II. The arrangement was written by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Duets II is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 4, 2023, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and his trio recorded “Speak Low” live on April 12, 1994, for MTV Unplugged. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Speak Low,” as well as MTV Unplugged is available on Apple Music.

Here’s video from the television presentation.