The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: All In Fun

The song of the day for Thursday, August 15, 2024, is “All In Fun.”

About This Song

“All In Fun” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 Broadway musical Very Warm For May. Though the show was not well-reviewed, the score contained some wonderful songs including this one and “All The Things You Are.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All In Fun” in 2004 for his album The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“All In Fun,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Friday, July 12, 2024, is “All The Things You Are.”

About Today

Today we are remembering Oscar Hammerstein II, who was born on July 12, 1895. He wrote lyrics for both Jerome Kern and Richard Rodgers over his career. He was also a mentor to a young Stephen Sondheim, who was a close friend of one of Oscar’s sons. Oscar and Stephen remained close friends until Oscar’s death on August 23, 1960.

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” live on June 9, 1962, for his concert at Carnegie Hall. An abridged 2-LP recording of Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall was released on August 23, 1962. The 2-CD version was released in 1997.

“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 Wednesday, May 1, 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; 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, 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.

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Song of the Day: The Last Time I Saw Paris

The song of the day for Thursday, April 18, 2024, is “The Last Time I Saw Paris.”

About This Song

“The Last Time I Saw Paris” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein in 1940. Unlike many songs by Jerome Kern, it wasn’t written specifically for a film or Broadway musical. However, it was used in the 1941 film Lady Be Good, where it was sung by Ann Sothern; the song won the Academy Award for Best Song that year. It also inspired the 1954 film of the same name, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Van Johnson. Significant recordings include those by Kate Smith, Bud Powell, Dinah Shore, Dean Martin, and Connie Francis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Last Time I Saw Paris” in 2015 for the album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement and led The Bill Charlap Trio (Charlap on piano; Peter Washington on bass; Kenny Washington on drums) which accompanied Bennett for this recording.

“The Last Time I Saw Paris,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, 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 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.