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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

April 20, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Exactly Like You

The song of the day for Thursday, April 21, 2022, is “Exactly Like You.”

About This Song

“Exactly Like You” was written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” While the reviewers were not kind to the production, the score was then, and remains still, quite noteworthy. Even though Fields’ lyrics for the song are very fine, the early recordings of the song were mostly instrumentals, such as that by Louis Armstrong. The song became popular again in 1936, with a fine recording by Benny Goodman that featured Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone, followed by the 1937 recording by Count Basie, which included the vocals by Jimmy Rushing. Later notable recordings include those by Carmen McRae (1954), Bing Crosby (1944), Patti Page (1949), Anita O’Day (1975), Nina Simone (1959), and Diana Krall (2006).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Exactly Like You” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, which consisted of songs associated with Louis Armstrong. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“Exactly Like You,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: A Wonderful World, Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, k d lang, Lee Musiker, Louis Armstrong, Peter Matz, Tony Bennett

December 9, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’m Confessing

The song of the day for Friday, December 10, 2021, is “I’m Confessing.”

About This Song

“I’m Confessing (That I Love You)” was written in 1930 by Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, and Al J. Neiburg. The song had a somewhat odd start. It was first known as “Lookin’ for Another Sweetie,” with lyrics credited to Chris Smith and Sterling Grant, and was recorded by Fats Waller in 1929. Al Neiburg wrote the new lyrics and the song was recast in 1930 with its current title. Louis Armstrong made the first recording of it in 1930, and in spite of many other recordings, it remains strongly identified with Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “I’m Confessing” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, consisting of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“I’m Confessing,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here is Armstrong’s 1930 recording:

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: A Wonderful World, Al J. Neiburg, Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, k d lang, Lee Musicker, Louis Armstrong, Peter Matz, Rob Mathes, Tony Bennett

September 9, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Wave

The song of the day for Friday, September 10, 2021, is “Wave.”

About This Song

“Wave” (or “Vou Te Contar” in Portuguese) was written in 1967 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; originally written as an instrumental, Jobim wrote the English lyrics himself. This song has been widely recorded by artists including Oscar Peterson, Joao Gilberto, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Wave” in 1970 for his album Tony Bennett’s “Something”. Peter Matz wrote the arrangement.

Wave

Listen to Wave on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1970.

“Wave,” as well as Tony Bennett’s “Something” is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Peter Matz, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennetts "Something"

September 7, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Make It Easy On Yourself

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 8, 2021, is “Make It Easy On Yourself.”

About This Song

“Make It Easy On Yourself” was written in 1962 by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. This song marked the beginning of the long association with Bacharach and David with Dionne Warwick, who recorded many of their songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Make It Easy On Yourself” in 1970 for his album Tony Bennett’s “Something”. Peter Matz wrote the arrangement.

Make It Easy On Yourself

Listen to Make It Easy On Yourself on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1970.

“Make It Easy On Yourself,” as well as Make It Easy On Yourself is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Peter Matz, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennetts "Something"

August 31, 2020 By Suzanne 2 Comments

Song of the Day: Wave

The song of the day for Monday, September 1, 2020, is “Wave.”

About This Song

Written in 1967, “Wave,” or “Vou Te Contar” in the original Portuguese, is a classic bossa nova song by Antonio Carlos Jobim. It’s one of Jobim’s loveliest songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Wave” in 1970 for the album Tony Bennett’s “Something.” Peter Matz wrote the arrangement.

“Wave,” as well as Tony Bennett’s “Something”, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Peter Matz, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennetts "Something"

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