The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Thursday, January 28, 2021, 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 first recorded “All The Things You Are” in 1962 at his concert at Carnegie Hall, an abbreviated version of which was released on a 4-LP set as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall. The 1997 reissue on 2 CDs included the full concert. Ralph Sharon arranged and conducted the orchestra.

All The Things You Are (From "Very Warm For May") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to All The Things You Are (From "Very Warm For May") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Friday, December 4, 2020, 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

“All The Things You Are” was the third song Tony Bennett sang at his legendary 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall, released on a two-LP set that year: Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall. Even with 2 LPs, songs had to be cut. The 1997 two-CD release of the album contains all of the 44 (!) songs Mr. Bennett sang that night. Ralph Sharon was the musical director and pianist.

All The Things You Are (From "Very Warm For May") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to All The Things You Are (From "Very Warm For May") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

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

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Thursday, November 26, 2020, is “The Folks That Live on the Hill.”

About Today

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American readers.

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written in 1937 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 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” in 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released the following year. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Folks That Live On The Hill

Listen to The Folks That Live On The Hill on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1990

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Thursday, August 6, 2020, 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 The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, with Bill Charlap. This recording features a very fine piano solo by Charlap.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Make Believe

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 29, 2020, is “Make Believe.”

About This Song

“Make Believe” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein in 1927 for the original stage production of Show Boat. It’s a lovely song, sung by Magnolia Hawks and Gaylord Ravenal as they first begin to fall in love.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Make Believe” with the Bill Charlap Trio for the album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, released in 2015.

“Make Believe,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available from iTunes.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites