The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 7, 2022, is “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight.”

About This Song

Hank Williams wrote “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight” in 1950. Following on the success of “Cold, Cold Heart,” Tony Bennett recorded this Hank Williams song as well. “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight” has been recorded by Willie Nelson, George Jones and The Drifting Cowboys, in addition to Tony Bennett’s recording.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight” on December 4, 1953; the song was released as a single in 1954. It was arranged by Percy Faith.

“There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight,” as well as the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 3 is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Cinnamon Sinner

The song of the day for Monday, June 6, 2022, is “Cinnamon Sinner.”

About This Song

“Cinnamon Sinner” was written by Lincoln Chase in 1954. Chase primarily wrote for the singer Shirley Ellis; on the of the best-known songs he wrote for her was “The Name Game.” “Cinnamon Sinner” was one of his earliest published songs; Tony Bennett’s was the first recording.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Cinnamon Sinner” on May 13, 1954. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement.

“Cinnamon Singer,” as well as the singles collected The Columbia Singles, Vol. 3 is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Stranger in Paradise

The song of the day for Monday, May 30, 2022, is “Stranger in Paradise.”

About This Song

“Stranger in Paradise” was written in 1953 for the musical Kismet by Robert Wright and George Forrest, based on music by Alexander Borodin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Stranger in Paradise” on October 13, 1953, featuring an arrangement by Percy Faith, and was released as a single that year. This recording was later included on Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Hits.

“Stranger in Paradise,” as well as the singles collected on is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Rags to Riches

The song of the day for Saturday, May 28, 2022, is “Rags to Riches.”

About This Song

“Rags to Riches” was written in 1953 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. When Tony Bennett first heard “Rags to Riches,” he hated the song and was forced by Mitch Miller to record it. With a very nice arrangement by Percy Faith, the recording was huge hit for Bennett and earned him a gold record. Thankfully, Bennett grew to enjoy singing the song. Martin Scorcese used the 1953 recording in the opening of Goodfellas, which helped find a new audience for this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Rags to Riches” on March 17, 1953, with a very fine arrangement by Percy Faith.

“Rags to Riches,” as well as the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 2 is available on Apple Music.

Today we’re honoring Ray Liotta, who passed away on May 26, 2022, and are remembering him from the opening of Goodfellas, where Bennett’s version of “Rags to Riches” was played.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Stay Where You Are

The song of the day for Friday, May 27, 2022, is “Stay Where You Are.”

About This Song

“Stay Where You Are” was written in 1952 by David E. Coleman and William Engvick. Lyricist William Engvick collaborated frequently with composer Alec Wilder, writing lyrics for “While We’re Young” and “A Time For Love,” among others. David Coleman composed popular music in the 1950s, including “Tippy-Toe” and “Soda Pop Hop.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Stay Where You Are” on August 26, 1952. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement.

“Stay Where You Are,” as well as all the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 2 is available on Apple Music.

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