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 Thursday, August 22, 2019, 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 recordings by Tony Bennett, “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 this version of “Speak Low” in 1989 for the album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. The very nice arrangement is by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 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 recorded this version of “Speak Low” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low.

Speak Low – 2011 Remaster

Speak Low – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Speak Low,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Friday, May 25, 2018 is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 Broadway 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 today’s version of “Speak Low” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio (with Sharon on piano, Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass) for the album When Lights Are Low.

Speak Low

Listen to Speak Low on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964


“Speak Low,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 14, 2018 is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill, with lyrics by 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

“Speak Low” was the second of three Kurt Weill songs that Tony Bennett sang at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. This recording was not released on the original pared-down LP release in 1962, but was included on the full 1972 release of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

Speak Low (From "One Touch Of Venus") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Speak Low (From "One Touch Of Venus") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962


“Speak Low,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

About Today

I’m very happy to be back after my move. It all went well and I’m starting to feel settled in. Thanks for putting up with my long absence; I realized with this move that I’m not quite as young as I used to be. I’m happily living in downtown Portland, where I can literally stroll down the street to the theatre where Tony and the quartet will be performing in June.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Thursday, September 21, 2017 is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash, 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” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low.

Speak Low

Listen to Speak Low on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964


“Speak Low,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.