The song of the day for Tuesday, June 2, 2021, is “Just In Time.”

About This Month

On June 9, 1962, Tony Bennett performed at Carnegie Hall. I’ll let Bennett tell the story, from his autobiography The Good Life:

When “San Francisco” was peaking in early 1962, I was invited to appear at Carnegie Hall for the first time. Carnegie Hall had never featured a “pop” singer like myself as a solo performer. It was unprecedented. To my surprise, Columbia backed me completely. Goddard [Lieberson, president of Columbia Records] said, ‘You’ve got to play Carnegie Hall, and we’d love to make a record out of the concert.’

The concert was held on June 9, 1962. Backstage I had a healthy case of the butterflies and reflected on Sinatra’s advice about the jitters. From the minute I hit the stage all the nervousness disappeared, and I knew I was gonna nail it. I’m proud to say the concert was an absolute triumph

This month, we’ll be showcasing songs from the concert.

About This Song

“Just In Time” was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden, for the 1956 Broadway musical Bells Are Ringing. It was one of several great songs from the musical, where it was introduced by Judy Holliday and Sidney Chaplin. Holliday and Dean Martin sang it in the 1960 film version of Bells Are Ringing.

About This Version

Tony Bennett had recorded “Just In Time” several times prior to the concert at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962, starting with the 1956 single and for his second album with Count Basie, In Person!, in 1959. It was the second song in the show. A 4-disc selection of the songs was released on August 24, 1962, as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall, just under three months from the concert. The 1997 2-CD release contained almost all of the songs from the concert. Ralph Sharon was the musical director.

“Just In Time,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.