The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Caravan

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 12, 2016 is “Caravan.”

About This Song

Duke Ellington and Juan Tirol wrote “Caravan” in 1936, with lyrics by Irving Mills. Caravan is one of the most popular Duke Ellington songs and has been recorded steadily over the years. In Jazz Standards, Al Gioia attributes its popularity as a jazz song due to “the composition’s adaptability to a modernistic, modal-based approach.”

About This Version

Today’s recording is from 1962 and was almost lost forever. It’s from Tony Bennett’s album On The Glory Road, which was due to be released in 1962 but was pulled at the last moment. Thankfully, the album was released in the 2011 Complete Collection boxed set and is now also available on iTunes. “Caravan” was arranged and conducted by Ralph Sharon and features percussion by Chico Hamilton.

Caravan

Tony Bennett · On The Glory Road · Song · 1962


“Caravan,” as well as On The Glory Road, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 8m, 2016 is “I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan.”

About This Song

“I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan” was written for the 1929 revue The Little Show by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, where it was introduced by Clifton Webb. It was a featured song in the 1953 movie The Band Wagon, where it was sung by Fred Astaire and Oscar Levant. Even though the original title was “I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan,” it more often sung with Plans.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan” in 1959 with The Count Basie Orchestra for the album Basie/Bennett, which was released the same year. The orchestration is by Ralph Sharon.

I Guess I"ll Have to Change My Plans - 1990 Remix / Remaster

Listen to I Guess I"ll Have to Change My Plans - 1990 Remix / Remaster on Spotify. Song · Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Tristan Powell · 1959


“I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Call Me Irresponsible

The song of the day for Monday, March 7, 2016 is “Call Me Irresponsible.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Call Me Irresponsible,” was written in 1962 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. It was originally written for Fred Astaire to sing in the movie Papa’s Delicate Condition. However, due to contractual obligations, the role went to Jackie Gleason, who introduced the song. “Call Me Irresponsible” won the 1964 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Call Me Irresponsible” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Call Me Irresponsible

Listen to Call Me Irresponsible on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“Call Me Irresponsible,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 19, 2016 is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Today’s recording of Tony Bennett singing “It Had To Be You” was made in 1964 for his album with the Ralph Sharon Trio, When Lights Are Low. In addition to Ralph Sharon on piano, the trio features Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

It Had To Be You

Listen to It Had To Be You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964


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

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Song of the Day: Let’s Begin

The song of the day for Thursday, January 14, 2016 is “Let’s Begin.”

About This Song

“Let’s Begin” was written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach for the 1933 Broadway musical Roberta, which also included many other fine Kern songs, including “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “The Touch of Your Hand.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this jazz version of “Let’s Begin” in 1957 for his third album, The Beat of My Heart. The terrific arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

Let"s Begin

Tony Bennett · The Beat Of My Heart · Song · 1957


“Let’s Begin,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available from iTunes.