The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Call Me Irresponsible

The song of the day for Monday, March 7, 2016 is “Call Me Irresponsible.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Call Me Irresponsible,” was written in 1962 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. It was originally written for Fred Astaire to sing in the movie Papa’s Delicate Condition. However, due to contractual obligations, the role went to Jackie Gleason, who introduced the song. “Call Me Irresponsible” won the 1964 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Call Me Irresponsible” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Call Me Irresponsible

Listen to Call Me Irresponsible on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“Call Me Irresponsible,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 19, 2016 is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was written in 1924 by Isham Jones, with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It is a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whitman, Cliff Edwards and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Today’s recording of Tony Bennett singing “It Had To Be You” was made in 1964 for his album with the Ralph Sharon Trio, When Lights Are Low. In addition to Ralph Sharon on piano, the trio features Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

It Had To Be You

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“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Begin

The song of the day for Thursday, January 14, 2016 is “Let’s Begin.”

About This Song

“Let’s Begin” was written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach for the 1933 Broadway musical Roberta, which also included many other fine Kern songs, including “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “The Touch of Your Hand.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this jazz version of “Let’s Begin” in 1957 for his third album, The Beat of My Heart. The terrific arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

Let"s Begin

Tony Bennett · The Beat Of My Heart · Song · 1957


“Let’s Begin,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

The song of the day for Thursday, January 7, 2015 is “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.”

About This Song

“Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, was one of the hit songs from the 1940 musical Pal Joey, where it was introduced by Vivienne Segal. Notable recordings are by Benny Goodman, Mel Tormé, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Alec Wilder admired the lyric and the verse, but found the song “notey.” In spite of being notey, it’s a cornerstone of the American Songbook.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” on October 28, 1959 for one of my favorite of his albums, Tony Sings For Two, released in 1961. For this album, Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon went into the studio with a briefcase full of sheet music and recorded sixteen(!) songs in a single day, which must be some kind of record. It was just the two of them: the voice and the piano with no drums or bass. It’s a really wonderful album and this is one of my favorite songs on it.

Bewitched

Tony Bennett · Tony Sings For Two · Song · 1961


“Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’m Glad There Is You

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 9, 2015 is “I’m Glad There Is You.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “I’m Glad There Is You,” was written in 1941 by Jimmy Dorsey (music) and Paul Madeira (lyrics). It was recorded that year by Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra and featured Bob Eberly on vocals. The song has been widely recorded including recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Stan Getz and Peggy Lee, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Glad There Is You” in 1992 for Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

I"m Glad There Is You

Listen to I"m Glad There Is You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“I’m Glad There Is You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

About Today

In 1939, Sinatra made one of his best moves: from Harry James, who let him out of his contract, to Tommy Dorsey. He sang with Tommy Dorsey until 1942. In Tommy Dorsey, he found the support and nurturing that he needed to take him to stardom. In his first appearance with Dorsey’s orchestra, Sinatra sang “Stardust” which prompted the orchestra leader to say “You could almost feel the excitement coming up out of the crowds when he sang. Remember, he was no matinée idol. He was just a skinny kid with big ears. I used to stand there so amazed I’d almost forget to take my own solos.” During his time with Dorsey, Sinatra recorded some of his memorable songs, including “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Night and Day.” “The Song is You” and “In the Blue of the Evening.” By 1942, Sinatra was ready to embark on a solo career. In doing so, he convinced Dorsey’s arranger, Alex Stordahl, to come with him, causing a lifelong rift with Tommy Dorsey.

Tomorrow: Bobby soxers!

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