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 Monday, May 29, 2017 is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was composed by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in (so far), The Oscar, released in 1965. Bennett 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” with Bill Evans 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 from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

Today is the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Friday, December 23, 2016 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 a 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” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. The song was arranged by Lee Musiker.

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 iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the third day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Wednesday, December 16, 2015, the song of the day is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by William 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 a 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 this song for his jazzy Christmas album A Swingin’ Christmas; it was arranged by Lee Musiker. On piano is Monty Alexander, with Paul Langosch on bass, Gray Sargent on guitar and Harold Jones on drums.

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 iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Monday, February 23, 2015 is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was composed by Percy Faith with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. It is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in (so far), The Oscar, 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 and released it in January 1966 on The Movie Song Album. He also recorded the song again in 1976 for his second album with Bill Evans, Together Again.

About Today

I just finished watching this year’s Academy Awards and knew I had to feature Bennett’s song from The Oscar as the song of the day. Alas, I’ve never seen this movie and keep on hoping that it will turn up on television some day.

We were blown away tonight by Lady Gaga’s performance of the medley of songs from The Sound Of Music. When Julie Andrews came out and hugged her after she finished, we were so happy and thrilled for Lady. What an amazing talent she is. Will she be on Broadway next? I wouldn’t be surprised one bit!

Song from "The Oscar" (Maybe September)

Listen to Song from "The Oscar" (Maybe September) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


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

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On the Ninth Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the ninth day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Monday, December 22, 2014, he sings for us “Silver Bells.”

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950, with music by Jay Livingston and lyrics by 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 a another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards.

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3IFdgovo2BeNChD2DWBh7H
“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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