The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart

The song of the day for Sunday, February 5, 2023, is “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart.”

About This Song

“You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” was written in 1931 by James P. Johnson and Flournoy Earkin Miller. Johnson, a composer who was also known as a Harlem Stride pianist, collaborated with author and producer Miller to produce the Sugar Hill revue in 1931 for this song. Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday recorded “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart” as a duet with Sy Oliver and His Orchestra in 1949 on the Decca label.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” in March 2002 for the album A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Louis Armstrong and Billy Holiday 1949 duet of “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” on the Decca label:

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Song of the Day: La Vie En Rose

The song of the day for Friday, February 3, 2023, is “La Vie En Rose.”

About This Song

“La Vie En Rose” was written in 1946 by Marguerite Monnot and Louis Guglielmi (aka Louiguy). Edith Piaf wrote the French lyrics; Mack David wrote the English lyrics.

While now considered one of Edith Piaf’s most identifiable songs (taking second place only to “Non, je ne regrette rein”), this song had a slow and somewhat troubled beginning. The lyric came to Miss Piaf in 1944. She worked with Louiguy on the melody. At the time the song was written, only Louiguy, as neither Piaf or Monnot were qualified to copyright their work under the auspices of Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique, the official French association. Initially, the song was thought to be weak as compared to the rest of her repertoire and she was encouraged to not sing it at her concerts. She did not sing it publicly until 1946 and it quickly became a favorite of audiences. She finally recorded the song in 1947. “La Vie en Rose” has been widely recorded ever since and used in many films, from Bull Durham to WALL-E. The 2007 film biography of Edith Piaf, which starred Marion Cotillard, was titled La Vie en Rose.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “La Vie En Rose” in May 2002 for their album Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz; Lee Musiker wrote the arrangements and served as musical director.

“La Vie En Rose,” as well as Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Armstrong’s 1951 recording:

And here’s Edith Piaf’s 1947 recording:

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Song of the Day: Wave

The song of the day for Monday, October 17, 2022, is “Wave.”

About This Song

“Wave” was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim in 1967. Known as “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” on August 13, 1970, for his album Tony Bennett’s “Something”. It was arranged by Peter Matz.

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

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Song of the Day: What A Wonderful World

The song of the day for Sunday, October 16, 2022, is “What A Wonderful World.”

About This Song

“What A Wonderful World” was written by Bob Theile (writing as George Douglas) and George David Weiss in 1967. Written at a time of great political and racial unrest in America, “What A Wonderful World” was a kind, gentle and positive song that was very well received. Louis Armstrong recorded it first and it was a big hit for him, selling over a million singles. Even though this song has been recorded by many fine artists, it remains closely identified with Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What A Wonderful World” on August 13, 1970, for his album Tony Bennett’s “Something”. Peter Matz wrote the arrangement.

“What A Wonderful World,” as well as Tony Bennett’s “Something” is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Is That All There Is

The song of the day for Friday, October 14, 2022, is “Is That All There Is.”

About This Song

“Is That All There Is” was written by Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber in 1968. Most people are familiar with Peggy Lee’s recording of this song, recorded in January 1969. The lyrics for this song were inspired by a story by Thomas Mann, Disillusionment. Leiber’s wife Gaby, who escaped the Nazis from the Netherlands prior to the war, introduced her husband to the story and assisted with the lyrics. In fact, most of the words in the chorus are taken verbatim from the Mann story.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Is That All There Is” on October 7, 1969, for the album Tony Sings The Great Hits of Today, released in 1970. Peter Matz wrote the arrangement.

“Is That All There Is,” as well as Tony Sings The Great Hits of Today is available on Apple Music.

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