The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Call Me Irresponsible

The song of the day for Sunday, December 11, 2016 is “Call Me Irresponsible.”

About This Song

“Call Me Irresponsible” was written in 1962 by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn.
The song was originally written for Fred Astaire to sing in the movie Papa’s Delicate Condition. However, due to contractual obligations, the role went to Jackie Gleason, who introduced the song. “Call Me Irresponsible” won the 1964 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Call Me Irresponsible” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank, consisting of songs associated with his good friend Frank Sinatra. The arrangement is from Ralph Sharon and Bennett is accompanied by the Ralph Sharon Trio, featuring Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

Call Me Irresponsible

Listen to Call Me Irresponsible on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“Call Me Irresponsible,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Today we remember the late Frank Sinatra, who was born 101 years ago on December 12, 1915. He certainly is one of America’s greatest singers who, like Tony Bennett, never goes out of style.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Friday, November 25, 2016 is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” written in 1938 by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal, grew to its fame during World War II, when it became something of an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and the loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Willie Nelson, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded this song twice: first in 1956 for his album Tony and again in 1992 for Perfectly Frank. It’s the 1992 version I’m featuring today.

I"ll Be Seeing You

Listen to I"ll Be Seeing You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

A few years ago, my friend and I were listening to our local jazz radio station, KMHD in Portland, Oregon, and they played a lovely song from Rosemary Clooney. The announcer told us that is was from her 1991 album For The Duration, consisting of songs that were popular during World War II. I immediately bought the album from iTunes and listen to it all the time. The album closes with a lovely version of “I’ll Be Seeing You” which I hope you enjoy. It’s a really lovely album.

Here is Tony’s good friend, the great Rosemary Clooney:

I"ll Be Seeing You

Listen to I"ll Be Seeing You on Spotify. Song · Rosemary Clooney · 1991

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Song of the Day: Day In, Day Out

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 19, 2016 is “Day In, Day Out.”

About This Song

“Day In, Day Out” was written in 1939 by Rube Bloom and Johnny Mercer. It has been a favorite of vocalists since it was written. The tune itself is also rather unusual at 56 measures long. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder notes that “the melodic line soared and moved across the page like a lovely brush stroke. And it had, remarkable for any pop song, passion.” It has been recorded by many of the finest vocalists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat “King” Cole, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé and Margaret Whiting.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Day In, Day Out” in 1992 for the album Perfectly Frank. The arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

Day In, Day Out

Listen to Day In, Day Out on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“Day In, Day Out,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

About Today

After a good long rest from the keyboard, my arm with the pinched nerve is much improved. It’s great to be back.

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Song of the Day: Last Night When We Were Young

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 5, 2016 is “Last Night When We Were Young.”

About This Song

“Last Night The We Were Young” was written in 1935 by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Arlen considered “Last Night When We Were Young” to be one of his favorite songs. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder calls it a “most remarkable and beautiful song … (that) goes far beyond the boundaries of popular music.”

Yip Harburg has said that he doesn’t know exactly where the title came from but that “the juxtaposition of those two phrases is almost a whole world of philosophy.” All in all, it’s a very beautiful and introspective song that is much beloved by singers. Frank Sinatra included on his wonderful album In The Wee Small Hours. It has also been recorded by Judy Garland, Mel Tormé, Carmen McRae and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

This beautiful version of “Last Night The We Were Young” was recorded in 1992 for the album Perfectly Frank. The lovely arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

Last Night When We Were Young

Listen to Last Night When We Were Young on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“Last Night The We Were Young,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: East of the Sun (West of the Moon)

The song of the day for Thursday, September 29, 2016 is “East of the Sun (West of the Moon).”

About This Song

“East of the Sun (West of the Moon)” was written in 1934 by Bruce Bowman. who wrote “East of the Sun” while a student at Princeton University for a student musical production called Stags at Bay, produced by the Princeton Triangle Club. The song had great reception and was noted by Princeton alumnus F. Scott Fitzgerald. After his graduation from college in 1936, he worked briefly in Hollywood for the film industry, but decided to return to the East Coast. He was about to start a contract with a New York music publisher when he was killed in an automobile accident in 1937. Based on this song, I think Bowman would have been one of America’s great songwriters.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “East of the Sun (West of the Moon)” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. The arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

East of the Sun (West of the Moon)

Listen to East of the Sun (West of the Moon) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“East of the Sun (West of the Moon),” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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