The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

The song of the day for Friday, July 5, 2019, is “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Berlin also wrote “Cheek to Cheek” for the film.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” in 1993 for the album Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon arranged the album.

Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

For a bit more fun this holiday weekend, we have this clip from Top Hat:

Top Hat, White Tie & Tails Fred Astaire, Top Hat

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Song of the Day: In the Wee Small Hours

The song of the day for Friday, June 21, 2019, is “In the Wee Small Hours.”

About This Song

“In the Wee Small Hours” was written in 1955 by David Mann and Bob Hilliard. This song is, of course, widely identified with Frank Sinatra, who anchored his well-received concept album In the Wee Small Hours around this song. Interestingly, the song almost didn’t get written. The two songwriters were working in Hilliard’s home in New Jersey. It was well past midnight and Mann was getting ready to leave for home in New York. Hilliard urged him to stay and Mann came up with the tune, to which Hilliard quickly wrote the lyrics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In the Wee Small Hours” in 1964, with a fine arrangement by Ralph Sharon. This recording was released on Bennett’s 1966 album A Time For Love.

In The Wee Small Hours – 2011 Remaster

In The Wee Small Hours – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“In the Wee Small Hours,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Get a Kick Out of You

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 21, 2019, is “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

About This Song

“I Get a Kick Out of You” was written by Cole Porter his 1934 musical Anything Goes, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman. It’s been popular since then and has been recorded by artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Anita O’Day, Max Roach, and many more. The original lyrics reference the use of cocaine (I get no kick from cocaine), and that particular line in the lyric is often rewritten, often to champagne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Get a Kick Out of You” in 1957 for his second jazz album The Beat of My Heart (after Cloud 7). The album was conceived and arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon. For the album, they invited some of the best percussionists in the world to appear on the album. “I Get a Kick Out of You” features Art Blakey. This recording did not appear on the original 1957 LP, but was, happily, included on the 1996 CD release.

In addition to the world-class percussionists, Bennett and Sharon brought in some the best musicians for the band, including Milt Hinton (bass), Al Cohn (tenor sax), and Eddie Costa (vibes), just to name a few.

The Beat of My Heart is a truly excellent album.

I Get a Kick out of You

I Get a Kick out of You, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“I Get a Kick Out of You,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Trapped in the Web of Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 14, 2019, is “Trapped in the Web of Love.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Trapped in the Web of Love,” was written by Jeanne Burns in the 1930s. Burns was born in New York City in 1917. She wrote her first Cotton Club number (“Little Town Gal”) when she was only sixteen years old. She wrote numerous songs during the 1930s and 40s. This song has also been recorded by Peggy Lee in 1965 and The Treniers in 1954. Burns was also a vocalist with several bands during the 1930s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trapped in the Web of Love” in 1960, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. The song was released in the 1966 album A Time For Love.

Trapped In The Web Of Love – 2011 Remaster

Trapped In The Web Of Love – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Trapped in the Web of Love,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Monday, May 13, 2019, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “I’ve Got Just About Everything,” was written by the great Bob Dorough, a noted jazz pianist and composer. Some may remember Bob from his songs on Schoolhouse Rock television program.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” with the Ralph Sharon Trio (featuring Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums) for his 1964 album When Lights Are Low.

When Lights Are Low

When Lights Are Low, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.