The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: You Go To My Head

The song of the day for Saturday, May 14, 2022, is “You Go To My Head.”

About This Song

“You Go To My Head” was written in 1938 by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. Written by the same songwriting team that gave us “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” “You Go to My Head” is a well-respected popular song. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder called it “a phenomenon” and “a minor masterpiece.” Al Gioia in The Jazz Standards notes that “this song comes closer than any tune I know to capturing in musical form the feeling of losing control.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “You Go To My Head” in 1957 for The Beat of My Heart. Today’s version, though, is from 1992 for Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the very fine arrangement.

“You Go To My Head,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Time After Time

The song of the day for Saturday, May 7, 2022, is “Time After Time.”

About This Song

“Time After Time” was written by Jule Style and Sammy Canh in 1947 for the movie It Happened in Brooklyn. The song was introduced by Frank Sinatra and was a major hit for him. This song has been widely recorded by many artists. In his fine book The Jazz Standards, Al Gioia quotes Jule Styne as saying “It’s a man’s song — ‘Time After Time.’ When a woman sings it, it is drained of all its power, so to speak. The girls can’t do it.” Well, tell that to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, and Cyndi Lauper.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Time After Time” in 1992 for the album Perfectly Frank, with a wonderful arrangement by Ralph Sharon.

“Time After Time,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Sunday, April 10, 2022, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. The song 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, and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Saturday, April 9, 2022, is “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon).”

About This Song

“East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)” was written in 1934 by Princeton undergraduate Brooks Bowman for a Princeton Triangle Club production. After graduating from Princeton in 1936, he moved to Los Angeles to work as a songwriter for Selznick International Pictures. In 1937, he was offered a contract to return to the East Coast to form a songwriting team. Sadly, he died in an automobile accident that year, just a few days before his 24th birthday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)” in 1992 for his album in tribute to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“East of the Sun (and West of the Moon),” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Wish I Were In Love Again

The song of the day for Sunday, March 13, 2022, is “I Wish I Were In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I Wish I Were In Love Again” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“I Wish I Were In Love Again,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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