The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Thursday, April 14, 2022, is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About This Song

“The Shadow of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster for the 1965 film The Sandpiper, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (and was my late mother’s favorite movie). It was filmed, beautifully, in Big Sur on the California coastline. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. It was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel.

“The Shadow of Your Smile,” as well as The Movie Song Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)

The song of the day for Sunday, April 3, 2022, is “She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good).”

About This Song

“She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)” was written in 1941 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. This song’s actual title is “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good). It was written for Ivie Anderson, who sang it in a revue called Jump For Joy. Anderson also recorded the song in 1941 with saxophonist Johnny Hodges which was well-received. The song has been widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)” in 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“She’s Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good),” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ivie Anderson original version with Ellington.

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Playlist of the Week: Tony Goes to the Movies

The playlist of the week for May 19, 2019, is Tony Goes to the Movies.

Tony Bennett has recorded many songs from films. These are some of my favorites.

Tony Goes to the Movies

Tony has recorded many songs from films.

If I Only Had a Brain by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg from The Wizard of Oz
The Shadow of Your Smile by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster from The Sandpiper
Steppin’ Out With My Baby by Irving Berlin from Easter Parade
Days of Wine and Roses by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer from Days of Wine and Roses
Samba De Orfeo by Luiz Bonfá from Black Orpheus
Emily by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer from The Americanization of Emily
Top Hat, White Tie and Tails by Irving Berlin from Top Hat
Smile by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner, and Geoffrey Parsons from Modern Times
Maybe September by Percy Faith, Jay Livingston, and Ray Evans from The Oscar
Watch What Happens by Michel Legrand, Jacques Demy, and Norman Gimbel from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
The Way You Look Tonight by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields from Swing Time

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Song of the Day: A Time For Love

The song of the day for Sunday, November 27, 2016 is “A Time For Love.”

About This Song

“A Time For Love” by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster was written for the 1966 movie An American Dream. The song has proven to be a jazz standard and has had many fine recordings, including those by Shirley Horn, Bill Evans, Bill Watrous and Stan Getz.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Time For Love” in 1966 for his album of the same name: A Time For Love. This recording was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

A Time For Love

Listen to A Time For Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1966.


“A Time For Love,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 1, 2016 is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About This Song

Johnny Mandel wrote “The Shadow of Your Smile” with Paul Francis Webster in 1965 for the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor film The Sandpiper. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” in 1965 for his album The Movie Song Album, which was released in January 1996. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Bennett often sings this song in concert; in fact, I had the great pleasure of hearing him sing this song last week in Portland.

The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from "The Sandpiper")

Listen to The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from "The Sandpiper") on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1966.


“The Shadow of Your Smile,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

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