The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Close Your Eyes

The song of the day for Sunday, January 26, 2025, is “Close Your Eyes.”

About This Song

“Close Your Eyes” was written in 1933 by Bernice Petkere. Petkere was named by Irving Berlin as the “Queen of Tin Pan Alley.” A vaudeville performer as a child, she sold her first song in 1931, “Starlight,” recorded by Bing Crosby. “Close Your Eyes” is her most well-known song. The song started getting jazz treatments in the 1950s, starting with a great duet from Coleman Hawkins and Milt Jackson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Close Your Eyes” on April 5, 1961, for the album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangements and conducted the entire album.

“Close Your Eyes,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Penthouse Serenade

The song of the day for Sunday, January 12, 2025, is “Penthouse Serenade.”

About This Song

“Penthouse Serenade” was written in 1933 by Will Jason and Val Burton for the 1933 animated short Betty Boop’s Penthouse, where it was sung by Mae Questel. It’s a classic Depression-era song with a young romantic couple yearning for a glamorous apartment. Notable recordings of this song include those by Nat “King” Cole, Errol Garner, Stan Getz, Tony Bennett, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Penthouse Serenade” on November 6, 1958, for his 1959 album Hometown, My Town. The album was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns.

“Penthouse Serenade,” as well as Hometown, My Town, is available on Apple Music.

Thanks to YouTube, we have a video from Betty Boop’s Penthouse with Mae Questal singing today’s song!

Click here to view the full six minute short.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, December 27. 2024, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” on April 6. 1961; Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement. The song was released on Bennett’s 1962 album I Left My Heart In San Francisco.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Party’s Over

The song of the day for Monday, November 4, 2024, is “The Party’s Over.”

About This Song

“The Party’s Over” was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden. It was one of the hit songs from the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing and was introduced by Judy Holliday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Party’s Over” 66 years ago today on November 4, 1958, for his 1959 album Hometown, My Town. The album was arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns; it was their first time to work together. Bennett continued to work with Burns up to Bennett’s 1999 album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool.

“The Party’s Over,” as well as Hometown, My Town, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Skyscraper Blues

The song of the day for Friday, October 4, 2024, is “The Skyscraper Blues.”

About This Song

“The Skyscraper Blues” was written in 1949 for Along Fifth Avenue, a Broadway revue, by Gordon Jenkins and Tom Adair.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Skyscraper Blues” on November 3, 1958, for his album Hometown, My Town, released in 1959. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangements.

“The Skyscraper Blues,” as well as Hometown, My Town, is available on Apple Music.