An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett
The song of the day for Wednesday, September 7, 2022, is “Tricks.”
“Tricks” was written by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes, who are best known for their 1952 song “That’s All.” Haymes’ older brother is the singer Dick Haymes.
Tony Bennett recorded “Tricks” on April 26, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.
“Tricks,” as well as This Is All I Ask is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Monday, September 5, 2022, is “Young and Foolish.”
“Young and Foolish” was written by Albert Hague and Arnold B. Horwitt for the 1954 musical Plain and Fancy concerning a New York couple who travel to Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to sell a piece of property and become involved with and learn from the community.
Tony Bennett recorded “Young and Foolish” on April 22, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.
“Young and Foolish,” as well as This Is All I Ask is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Saturday, September 3, 2022, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”
“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.
Tony Bennett recorded “Keep Smiling at Trouble” on April 22, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns arranged and conducted the album.
“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as This Is All I Ask is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Friday, August 19, 2022, is “Smile.”
Charlie Chaplin wrote “Smile” in 1936 for his last silent film, Modern Times, which shows Chaplin and his costar Paulette Goddard, walking hand-in-hand up the road as the sun rises and as this song plays, in one of the most iconic scenes ever filmed.
Tony Bennett recorded “Smile” on June 24, 1959. It was released as a single in 1959 (Columbia 45: 4-41434) and again in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.
“Smile,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.
Here’s that final scene from Modern Times.
The song of the day for Thursday, August 18, 2022, is “Stella by Starlight.”
“Stella by Starlight” was written in 1944 by Victor Young for the 1944 film The Uninvited; the lyrics by Ned Washington were added in 1946. The song was recorded in 1947 by Harry James and Frank Sinatra; it has been frequently recorded ever since. It became a jazz standard in the early 1950s, with recordings by Stan Getz, Bud Powell, and Stan Kenton. It ranks as the 10th most important jazz title at jazzstandards.com.
Tony Bennett recorded “Stella by Starlight” on April 6, 1961, for his album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.
“Stella by Starlight,” as well as My Heart Sings is available on Apple Music.