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 Saturday, September 13, 2014 is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Maybe September,” was written in 1965 for the movie The Oscar by Percy Faith with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. The Oscar is the only movie that Bennett has acted in. He played one of the few good guys in the movie, 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. The song was arranged by Larry Wilcox and conducted by Johnny Mandel. This album is one of Bennett’s favorite of his albums and includes great Bennett hits including “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Emily,” “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Smile.”

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.

Note: Yes, I know it’s Saturday and there’s no video. There will be one tomorrow!

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Monday, September 30, 2013 is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

This song is from the 1966 film The Oscar, which starred Stephen Boyd and Elke Sommer and co-starred Tony Bennett as Hymie Kelly, whose memories of the lead character served as the narration of the film. This song was written by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. I’ve never seen the film; alas, it not available on DVD. It does show up on Turner Classic Movies from time to time … I’ll try to keep an eye on their schedule and give everyone a heads up if and when it is shown again.

About This Version

As today is the last day of September, it seemed time to feature this song. Today’s recording is from Bennett’s 1966 The Movie Song Album; it was arranged by Larry Wilcox and conducted by Johnny Mandel. Bennett also recorded this song in 1977 with Bill Evans for Together Again.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3NxRVqbwByRGvlo6Sb1ISF
“Maybe September,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes and amazon.com.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the Ninth Day of Tony Bennett Christmas, Saturday, December 22, 2012, the song of the day is Silver Bells.

Painting by Tony Bennett for the American Cancer Society Christmas card for 2010

About Silver Bells

Originally, composers Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wanted to call their song \”Tinkle Bells.\” Fortunately, Mr. Livingston\’s wife pointed out the alternate meaning of \”tinkle\” and so the song became Silver Bells. It was first recorded by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards in October 1950.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded Silver Bells for the 2008 A Swingin\’ Christmas. It was arranged by Lee Musiker and featured the quartet of Monty Alexander (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass) and Harold Jones (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 the full A Swingin\’ Christmas album, is available from iTunes.

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