The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Stranger in Paradise

The song of the day for Monday, October 13, 2025, is “Stranger in Paradise.”

About This Song

“Stranger in Paradise” was written by Robin Wright and George Forrest for the 1953 musical Kismet. The song was based on Alexander Borodin‘s composition Gliding Dance of the Maidens.

At the time Kismet was preparing to open, New York City was having a massive newspaper strike and publicizing the opening of the musical was nearly impossible. The producers asked Tony Bennett to record “Stranger in Paradise” to help promote the production. His version was a hit and so was Kismet.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Stranger in Paradise” 72 years ago today on October 13, 1953, featuring an arrangement by Percy Faith. It was released as a single; the same recording was included on Bennett’s 1962 album Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits.

“Stranger in Paradise,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Just In Time

The song of the day for Thursday, September 19, 2025, is “Just In Time.”

About This Song

“Just In Time” was written by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green for the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing, where it was introduced by Judy Holliday and Sidney Chaplin (son of Charlie Chaplain), both of whom won Tony Awards for their performances. Holliday and Dean Martin sang it in the 1960 film version of Bells Are Ringing.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Just In Time” on your author’s sixth birthday, September 19, 1956. It was released as a single that year; this recording first appeared on an album with the 1962 album Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement.

“Just In Time,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Friday, September 12, 2025, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was written by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, for the 1965 movie The Oscar. Tony Bennett was cast as the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, this song is terrific and is beautifully sung by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Maybe September” in September 1976 for their second album Together Again, released in 1977.

“Maybe September,” as well as Together Again, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Rags To Riches

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, is “Rags To Riches.”

About This Song

“Rags To Riches” was written in 1953 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Martin Scorsese 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; it was released as a single that year. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement.

“Rags To Riches,” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 2, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: While We’re Young

The song of the day for Saturday, May 31, 2025, is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

“While We’re Young” was written in 1943 by Alec Wilder and Morty Palitz, with lyrics by William Engvick. The song was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee that “The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!” “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “While We’re Young” 74 years ago on May 31, 1951, on both 45- and 78-RPM records. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“While We’re Young,” as well as The Columbia Singles Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.