The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live on the Hill

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 29, 2022, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it in 1957 for her album The Man I Love, which was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live on the Hill” on May 18, 1989, and released it the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live on the Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 23, 2022, is “All The Things You Are.”

About This Song

“All The Things You Are” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 musical Very Warm For May. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder considers it to be one of Kern’s finest songs and with good reason. It’s a beautiful tune and Hammerstein’s lyrics are excellent.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded all the things you are on June 9, 1962, at his legendary concert at Carnegie Hall. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra. The concert was recorded and released later that year on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“All The Things You Are,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Friday, March 11, 2022, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it in 1957 for her album The Man I Love; it was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” for his 1990 autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Favorite Things

The song of the day for Friday, January 28, 2022, is “My Favorite Things.”

About This Song

“My Favorite Things” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1959 Broadway musical The Sound of Music. In the Broadway production, the song was introduced by Mary Martin and sung in the office of the Mother Abbess before Maria leaves to become governess for the von Trapp family. In the film, where it was sung by Julie Andrews, the song was moved to a scene with the children, when there is a storm and Maria sings the song to the children so that they won’t be too scared.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Favorite Things” in 1968 for Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. Robert Farnon wrote the very nice arrangement.

“My Favorite Things,” as well as Snowball: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Thursday, January 27, 2022, is “All The Things You Are.”

About This Song

“All The Things You Are” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 musical Very Warm For May. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder considers it to be one of Kern’s finest songs and with good reason. It’s a beautiful tune and Hammerstein’s lyrics are excellent.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “All The Things You Are” for his 2015 album with Bill Charlap, The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Previously, Bennett sang this song at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall.

“All The Things You Are,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern is available on Apple Music.

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