The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Angel Eyes

The song of the day for Friday, October 30, 2020, is “Angel Eyes.”

About This Song

“Angel Eyes” was written in 1946 by Matt Dennis and Earl Brent. It was used in the 1953 film Jennifer. It’s a popular jazz song that has had numerous fine recordings, including those by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, and Duke Ellington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Angel Eyes” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and features some very fine bass from Paul Langosch. Perfectly Frank won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

Angel Eyes

Listen to Angel Eyes on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992

“Angel Eyes,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Rainy Day

The song of the day for Friday, February 21, 2020, is “A Rainy Day.”

About This Song

“A Rainy Day” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz or the 1932 Broadway musical revue Flying Colors, which starred Clifton Webb, Patsy Kelly, Imogene Coca, and Buddy and Vilma Ebsen.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Rainy Day” in on January 10, 1986, for his album The Art of Excellence. The recording was arranged and orchestrated by Jorge Callandrelli and features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

The Art of Excellence was Bennett’s first album upon his return to Columbia Records.

“A Rainy Day,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Let Yourself Go

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 9, 2019, is “Let Yourself Go.”

About This Song

“Let Yourself Go” was written in 1936 by Irving Berlin for the movie Follow The Fleet, where it was introduced by Ginger Rogers. This song has been recorded by Fred Astaire, Kristin Chenoweth, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let Yourself Go” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. The terrific bass is from Paul Langosch.

“Let Yourself Go,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 17, 2019, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

Harry Warren and Al Dubin wrote “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in 1933 for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby in 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. Bennett is accompanied by The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day:Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

The song of the day for Friday, March 292, 2019, is “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive.”

About This Song

“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive” was written in 1944 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. This charming song was written in the style of sermon with the message of being positive is the key to happiness. Mercer is said to have heard a sermon by Father Divine, who said “you got to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.” And thus this memorable song was born. The song was first used in the 1944 movie Here Comes the Waves, starring Bing Crosby and Betty Hutton. Significant recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Kay Kyser, Artie Shaw, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive” in 1998 for his delightful album for children: The Playground. He is accompanied by the Ralph Sharon Quartet, featuring Sharon on piano, Clayton Cameron on drums, Paul Langosch on bass, and Gray Sargent on guitar.

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive,” as well as The Playground, is available from iTunes.

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