The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Indian Summer

The song of the day for Thursday, October 5, 2023, is “Indian Summer.”

About This Song

“Indian Summer” was composed by Victor Herbert in 1919. However, “Indian Summer” did not become a hit until bands picked it up in the early 1940s (this may have coincided with the addition of the lyrics by Al Dubin in 1939). Frank Sinatra recorded with Tommy Dorsey in 1940. Other recordings include those by Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller, Sidney Bechet, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennet recorded “Indian Summer” in June 1992 for Bennett’s tribute album to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Indian Summer,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Man That Got Away

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 4, 2023, is “The Man That Got Away.”

About This Song

“The Man That Got Away” was written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin for Judy Garland to sing the 1954 version of A Star Is Born, with James Mason. Her performance of the song is legendary in film history, with 27 takes in three days, three separate sessions, and two different directors. The filmed scene is brilliant and made the song a huge hit for Garland, who sang it in most of her concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Man Got Away” on October 28, 1959, for his album with pianist Ralph Sharon, Tony Sings For Two, released in 1961.

“The Man That Got Away,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available on Apple Music.

And, of course, here’s Judy Garland’s brilliant performance from A Star Is Born:

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

The song of the day for Friday, September 22, 2023, 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 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” on March 27, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and it’s wonderful. Sharon’s work on the piano is terrific. Playing with Ralph Sharon are Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

As an extra treat today, here’s Bob Dorough singing his song. And no, I have no idea who Aralee is.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 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, 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 his album Tony Sings For Two. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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

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

The song of the day for Monday, September 18, 2023, is “I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan.”

About This Song

“I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan” was written in 1929 by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1929 revue The Little Show, 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 is sometimes sung with plans.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

“I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available on Apple Music.

We have this video of Fred Astaire and Jack Buchanan performing today’s song from the 1953 film The Band Wagon.