The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day.”

About This Song

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day” was written by Irving Berlin for the Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoors gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” in May 1987 for the album Bennett/Berlin. Accompanying Bennett was the Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums).

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Here are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” from Top Hat.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Saturday, January 10, 2026, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” on March 26, 1964, for When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and led the trio with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as , is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Last Night When We Were Young

The song of the day for Thursday, January 1, 2026, is “Last Night When We Were Young.”

About This Song

“Last Night When We Were Young” was written in 1935 by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Arlen considered “Last Night When We Were Young” to be one of his favorite songs. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder calls it a “most remarkable and beautiful song (that) goes far beyond the boundaries of popular music.” Yip Harburg has said that he doesn’t know exactly where the title came from but that “the juxtaposition of those two phrases is almost a whole world of philosophy.” All in all, it’s a very beautiful and introspective song that is much beloved by singers. Frank Sinatra included on his wonderful album In The Wee Small Hours. It has also been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Mel Tormé, Carmen McRae, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Last Night When We Were Young” in June 1992 for his tribute album to Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and led The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch. on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

“Last Night When We Were Young,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Thursday, December 11, 2025, 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 March 26, 1964, for When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and led his trio: Sharon (piano), Hal Gaylord (bass), and Billy Exiner (drums).

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About Today

Tony Bennett’s third album, The Beat of My Heart, was released on December 9, 1957. The album was conceived by Bennett, who wanted to make a jazz albums of standards featuring percussion and voice. Bennett and Ralph Sharon planned the album while they were on the road touring.

About This Song

“Lullaby of Broadway” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1935 movie Gold Diggers of 1935; it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It is one of the great show biz anthems. The 1980 musical 42nd Street featured Jerry Orbach singing the song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lullaby of Broadway” on October 21, 1957, for The Beat of My Heart, featuring Jo Jones on drums. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available on Apple Music.