The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 14, 2020, is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had to Be You” was written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn in 1924. It’s a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edward,s and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, including Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Had To Be You” with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Sharon wrote the arrangement; his piano on this song is lovely.

“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Just About Everything

The song of the day for Friday, October 18, 2019, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

Written by the marvelous jazz pianist and composer Bob Dorough, this song is a true joy to listen to. In his liner notes for Forty/Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennett says that “this one explains how a singer feels when he sings a song everyone likes.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums) for the album When Lights Are Low.

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Speak Low” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low.

Speak Low – 2011 Remaster

Speak Low – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Speak Low,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Sunday, December 30, 2018, is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was written in 1924 by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn. This song is a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards, and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “It Had To Be You” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low.

It Had To Be You – 2011 Remaster

It Had To Be You – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Friday, May 25, 2018 is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 Broadway musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded today’s version of “Speak Low” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio (with Sharon on piano, Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass) for the album When Lights Are Low.

Speak Low

Listen to Speak Low on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964


“Speak Low,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.