The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Friday, September 11, 2026, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was composed by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by Ethel Waters.

About This Version

Tony Bennett made his first recording of “Taking a Chance on Love” 70 years ago on September 11, 1956, for his 1957 album Tony. Ray Conniff wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.

We have an excellent recording of Ethel Waters singing “Taking a Chance on Love” from the 1943 Cabin In The Sky soundtrack.

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Song of the Day: You Can Depend on Me

The song of the day for Friday. November 21, 2025, is “You Can Depend on Me.”

About This Song

“You Can Depend on Me” was written in 1931 by Charles Carpenter, Louis Dunlap, and Earl “Fatha” Hines. The first recording was by Louis Armstrong in 1931. Other recordings include those by Nat “King” Cole and Brenda Lee.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “You Can Depend on Me” on September 11, 1956, for his second album, Tony, released in 1957.

There was some controversy regarding credits for the arrangements on Tony. Bennett wrote in his autobiography The Good Life:

All the guys—Marion [Evans], Gil [Evans], Neal [Hefti], Don [Costa]—did a tremendous job on the orchestrations for Tony, but you’d never know it from reading the front or back cover of that album. At that time Columbia was heavily pushing Ray Conniff. He was going to be the new Percy Faith, their next big name in instrumental pop music. Ray conducted the sessions, and he did a good job, but it burned me up that none of the others received any credit on the cover. Over the next few months I was embarrassed when I ran into them. They’d always ask me why they didn’t get credit. I felt terrible about it.

“You Can Depend on Me,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1931 recording of “You Can Depend on Me” by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra.

Armstrong recorded “You Can Depend on Me” again in 1951, live at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, released on Satchmo At Pasadena, which has Armstrong singing vocals.

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Song of the Day: Without A Song

The song of the day for Thursday, December 5, 2024, is “Without A Song.”

About This Song

“Without A Song” was written in 1926 by Vincent Youmans (music) and Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu (lyrics). It was written for the 1929 musical Great Day. It has been recorded by artists from Perry Como to Mario Lanza to Frank Sinatra. Great Day was set in 19th-century Louisiana; as a result, some of the lyrics have been changed over time to remove currently objectionable language.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Without A Song” on September 12, 1956, for Bennett’s second album Tony, released in 1957.

“Without A Song,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschitz (as Holt Marvell). This song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” on September 12, 1956, for his second album Tony, released in 1957. It was arranged by Ray Conniff. FYI, Doc Severinsen played trumpet on this recording.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About Today

Today’s song was recorded 67 years ago today on September 12, 1956.

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell due to recording contract issues). The song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman.” These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” on September 12, 1956, for his album Tony, which was released in 1957. Ray Conniff wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.