The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Yesterdays

The song of the day for Friday, July 17, 2026, is “Yesterdays.”

About This Song

“Yesterdays” was written for the 1933 Broadway musical Roberta, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Otto Harbach. The song was introduced by Irene Dunne. The cast of the Broadway production also featured Bob Hope, George Murphy, Sidney Greenstreet and Fred MacMurray. One of Kern’s best outings, Roberta also introduced “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “Let’s Begin.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett’s version of “Yesterdays” is from the 1966 album A Time To Love., though this recording is from 1964. It has a wonderful arrangement by Ralph Sharon and features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass.

“Yesterdays,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

“In A Mellow Tone” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. It was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The recording gives everyone in the quartet a chance to shine: Ralph Sharon, piano; Gray Sargent, guitar; Paul Langosch, bass; and Clayton Cameron, drums.

“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got Ellington’s 1958 instrumental recording of today’s song, from his album Blues In Orbit. Featured musicians include Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, and Sam Woodyard.

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Song of the Day: I Concentrate On You

The song of the day for Saturday, July 11, 2026, is “I Concentrate On You.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “I Concentrate On You” for the film Broadway Melody of 1940. It’s one of Porter’s best songs, with recordings by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, and Judy Garland among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Concentrate On You” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, which contained songs associated with Fred Astaire. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I Concentrate On You,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

Although Fred Astaire didn’t sing “I Concentrate On You” in Broadway Melody of 1940, he recorded a very fine version on his album Steppin’ Out: Astaire Sings.

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Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Thursday, July 9, 2026, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About This Song

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

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.

I’m happy to include Jerry Orbach singing “Lullaby of Broadway” live on the 1981 Tony Awards telecast.

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Song of the Day: Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, is “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

About Today

My brother Tom was born on July 7, 1953, and should have been 73 years old today (f*$# cancer). He loved his wife and daughter, Volkswagen Beetles, The Grateful Dead, and Fred Astaire movies. Today’s song is for Tom.

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The song was introduced by Mr. Astaire. The film is widely considered to be one of the best of the RKO Astaire and Rogers films; the American Film Institute ranked it 15th on its list of best musicals.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, consisting of songs associated with Fred Astaire. Mr. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Steppin’ Out won the 35th Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

And of course, we have Mr. Astaire introducing today’s song in the 1935 film Top Hat: