The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 30, 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 by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1929 revue The Little Show and was introduced by Clifton Webb. It was a featured song in the 1953 movie The Band Wagon, where it was sung (and danced) by Fred Astaire and Jack Buchanan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan” in July 1993 for his album of Fred Astaire songs, Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Steppin’ Out won. the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.


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

And here are Mr. Astaire and Mr. Buchanan from The Band Wagon:

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Song of the Day: I Concentrate On You

The song of the day for Friday, May 26, 2023, 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.

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Sunday, May 21, 2023, is “All The Things You Are.”

About This Song

“All The Things You Are” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 musical Very Warm For May. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder considers it one of Kern’s finest songs, and with good reason. It’s a beautiful tune and Hammerstein’s lyrics are excellent.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “All The Things You Are” at his concert at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. An abridged recording of the show in August 1962 as 4-LP set called Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall. The 1997 re-release added most of the rest of the songs original concert.

“All The Things You Are,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Soon It’s Gonna Rain

The song of the day for Saturday, May 20, 2023, is “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.”

About This Song

“Soon It’s Gonna Rain” was written was written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones for their 1960 Off-Broadway musical The Fantasticks, which ran for an astounding 42 years and 17,162 performances at the Sullivan Street Playhouse.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” on March 16, 1962, for his album On The Glory Road. The album was due to be released in 1962 but was canceled at the last minute. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” as well as On The Glory Road 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, May 18, 2023, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written 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 this version of “The Rules of the Road” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. Bennett recorded this album with The Ralph Sharon Trio, featuring Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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