The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Sunday, April 10, 2022, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. The song grew to its fame during World War II, when it became something of an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and the loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)

The song of the day for Saturday, April 9, 2022, is “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon).”

About This Song

“East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)” was written in 1934 by Princeton undergraduate Brooks Bowman for a Princeton Triangle Club production. After graduating from Princeton in 1936, he moved to Los Angeles to work as a songwriter for Selznick International Pictures. In 1937, he was offered a contract to return to the East Coast to form a songwriting team. Sadly, he died in an automobile accident that year, just a few days before his 24th birthday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)” in 1992 for his album in tribute to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“East of the Sun (and West of the Moon),” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Shine On Your Shoes

The song of the day for Thursday, March 31, 2022, is “A Shine On Your Shoes.”

About This Song

“A Shine On Your Shoes” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1932 Broadway musical Flying Colors. The same song was used for the 1953 movie The Band Wagon, which starred Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Shine On Your Shoes” in 1993 for his album “Steppin’ Out,” which consisted of songs that Fred Astaire introduced. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“A Shine On Your Shoes,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

Here are Fred Astaire and Leroy Daniels performing “A Shine On Your Shoes” from The Band Wagon.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 29, 2022, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got Just About Everything” was written by the marvelous jazz pianist and composer Bob Dorough, this song is a true joy to listen to. In his liner notes for Fifty 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” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. The arrangement by Ralph Sharon lets the other members of the trio, Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass, really shine. This recording is pure joy to listen to.

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

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Song of the Day: You’ll Never Get Away From Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 23, 2022, is “You’ll Never Get Away From Me.”

About This Song

“You’ll Never Get Away From Me” was written by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim for the 1959 Broadway musical Gypsy, starring Ethel Merman as Mama Rose. Gypsy is certainly one of the greatest musicals in history and Merman’s performance is legendary. “You’ll Never Get Away From Me” is sung to Mama Rose by her lover Herbie, played by Jack Klugman in the original production.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “You’ll Never Get Away From Me” on March 23, 1959, 63 years ago today, and features an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was originally released as a single and was included on Bennett’s 1962 album Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits.

“You’ll Never Get Away From Me,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits is available on Apple Music.