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 Thursday, February 29, 2024, 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, 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, for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“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: The Song Is You

The song of the day for Saturday, January 27, 2024, is “The Song Is You.”

About Today

Today we are honoring Jerome Kern, who was born 139 years ago today on January 27, 1885.

About This Song

“The Song Is You” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1932 musical Music In The Air. It’s been widely recorded and is associated with Frank Sinatra, who recorded it with Tommy Dorsey.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Song Is You” in 2015 for The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement; Charlap and Renee Rosnes accompanied Bennett for the recording.

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

The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern won the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album award at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 2, 2024, 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 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” in 2015 for his album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap arranged the song and played solo piano for this recording.

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

I found this tape of Stephen Sondheim discussing “All The Things You Are” with Marian McPartland on Sondheim’s appearance on Piano Jazz, which I found fascinating. I hope you enjoy it.

You can read more about Sondheim’s appearance on Piano Jazz in the NPR article.

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

The song of the day for Sunday, November 19, 2023, 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 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” on May 18, 1989, for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. 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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Song Is You

The song of the day for Sunday, October 1, 2023, is “The Song Is You.”

About This Song

“The Song Is You” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1932 musical Music In The Air. It has been widely recorded and is associated with Frank Sinatra, who recorded it with Tommy Dorsey.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Song Is You” for his 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Accompanying Tony Bennett are Renee Rosnes and Bill Charlap.

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

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