The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Never Too Late

The song of the day for Thursday, December 27, 2018, is “Never Too Late.”

About This Song

“Never Too Late” was written in 1965 by David Rose, Ray Evans, and Jay Livingston for the movie of the same name. Released in 1965, concerns a middle-aged couple, played by Paul Ford and Maureen O’Sullivan, who find that they are expecting a quite unexpected child. Comedy ensues.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Never Too Late” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. David Rose did the arrangement.

Never Too Late

Never Too Late, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Never Too Late,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for Monday, December 17, 2018, is “Silver Bells.”
Today is the fourth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. 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 his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Lee Musiker.

Silver Bells

Silver Bells, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the 4th day of Christmas, Sunday, December 17, 2017, the song of the day 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 his 2008 album with the Count Basie Big Band: A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker did the nice, swinging arrangement and plays piano as well.

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: Lonely Girl

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 30, 2017 is “Lonely Girl.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Lonely Girl,” was written in 1965, with music by Neal Hefti and lyrics by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston. It was written for the 1965 film Harlow, which starred Carroll Baker. “Girl Talk,” also by Neal Hefti, was written for the same film and was recorded by Tony Bennett in 1965 for The Movie Song Album.

About This Version

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

Lonely Girl - Remastered 2003

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


“Lonely Girl,” as well as Together Again, is available from iTunes.

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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.