The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Thursday, September 7, 2023, is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, where it was introduced by Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, considers it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “I’ve Got the World on a String” in June 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon.

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Night and Day

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 8, 2023, is “Night and Day.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Night and Day” for the 1932 musical Gay Divorce, which was introduced by Fred Astaire. The song became and still is quite popular and certainly a standard in the American songbook. Significant recordings include those by Art Tatum, Bill Evans, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Django Reinhardt.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Night and Day” in June 1992 for his album of songs associated with Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Night and Day,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Sinatra’s recording of “Night and Day”

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Friday, June 2, 2023, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written in 1938 by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. This 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 June 1992 for his album dedicated to Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Perfectly Frank won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

Here’s Sinatra’s recording of “I’ll Be Seeing You” with Tommy Dorsey, recorded in 1940:

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Song of the Day: East of Sun

The song of the day for Monday, May 8, 2023, is “East of Sun (And West of the Moon).”

About This Song

“East of Sun (And West of the Moon)” was written in 1934 by Brooks Bowman. Bowman 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 a 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “East of Sun (And West of the Moon)” in June 1992 in his tribute album to his friend Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. Bennett recorded this album with The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums. Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Perfectly Frank won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“East of 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 Saturday, April 22, 2023, 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 for Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Audra McDonald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in June 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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