The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Poor Little Rich Girl

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 9, 2022, is “Poor Little Rich Girl.”

About This Song

“Poor Little Rich Girl” was written by Noël Coward for the 1925 revue On With the Dance. It is one of his most popular songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Poor Little Rich Girl” on January 5, 1959, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was released in 1959 on Basie Swings/Bennett Sings.

“Poor Little Rich Girl,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Saturday, August 6, 2022, is “Solitude.”

About This Song

“Solitude” was written in 1934 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at a recording session, as they were one number short (Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards). It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Solitude” with Count Basie and His Orchestra on December 30, 1958, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was released in 1959 on the album In Person!

“Solitude,” as well as In Person! 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 Friday, August 5, 2022, 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 by Fred Astaire and Oscar Levant. Even though the original title was “I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan,” it is often sung with Plans. And in spite of the sub-title on the cover of the sheet music, I have no idea what the blue pajama business is all about.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan” on January 3, 1959, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was released on the 1959 album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings.

“I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 2, 2022, is “Blue Moon”

About This Song

“Blue Moon” was written in 1933 by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart. The tune first appeared in the 1934 film Manhattan Melodrama, though with a completely different lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blue Moon” on on June 19, 1957, and released the following year as a single. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Blue Moon” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 5 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Face The Music and Dance

The song of the day for Monday, August 1, 2022, is “Let’s Face The Music and Dance.”

About This Song

“Let’s Face the Music and Dance” was written by Irving Berlin in 1936 for the film Follow the Fleet starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Astaire – Rogers dance to this song is considered one of their best. This song has also been recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Face The Music and Dance” on October 25, 1957. It wasn’t included in 1957 on the album The Beat of My Heart, but was added to the CD re-release. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and features percussionists Candido, Sabu, and Billy Exiner.

“Let’s Face The Music and Dance,” as well as The Beat of My Heart is available on Apple Music.