The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Friday, September 23, 2022, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was written in 1965 by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, for the movie The Oscar. The song is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in, The Oscar, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, this song is terrific and beautifully sung by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Maybe September” on December 27, 1965, for his 1965 album The Movie Song Album. Larry Wilcox wrote the arrangement.

“Maybe September,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for Thursday, December 16, 2021, the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 with The Count Basie Big Band for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, which was released in 2008. Lee Musiker, Bennett’s pianist and musical director, wrote the arrangement.

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Monday, September 12, 2021, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was written by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, in 1965 for the movie The Oscar. This movie was Tony’s first (and only) role in a movie, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, the song is very nice.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Maybe September” in 1976 for their second album, Together Again, released in 1977.

Maybe September - Remastered 2003

Listen to Maybe September - Remastered 2003 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · 1977

“Maybe September,” as well as Together Again is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the third day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Wednesday, December 16, 2020, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Ray Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” with The Count Basie Big Band for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 15, 2020, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was composed by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, for the 1965 movie The Oscar. The song is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, this song is terrific and is beautifully sung by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Maybe September” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Bennett has said several times that this one of his favorites of the albums he’s made.

“Maybe September,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from Apple Music.