The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Thou Swell

The song of the day for Sunday, February 2, 2025, is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1927 musical A Connecticut Yankee, based on the Mark Twain novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. “Thou Swell” is one of the more charming songs from the musical, as the lyrics feature a combination of modern and medieval language: “thine eyes are cute too” and “I’d feel so rich in a hut for two.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Thou Swell” in July 1973 with The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, featuring Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guifrida on bass. “Thou Swell” was released on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart in 1973 on Bennett’s Improv label.

“Thou Swell,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Five Dollars

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, is “I’ve Got Five Dollars.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got Five Dollars” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1931 musical America’s Sweetheart, where it was introduced by Ann Sothern (who was still using her given name of Harriette Lake) and Jack Whiting. Notable recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Five Dollars” in July 1973 with The George Barnes/Ruby Braff Quartet (Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, Braff on trumpet, and John Guiffrida on bass). It was released on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers and Hart in 1977.

“I’ve Got Five Dollars,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: This Can’t Be Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, is “This Can’t Be Love.”

About This Song

“This Can’t Be Love” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1938 Broadway musical The Boys From Syracuse.” It is one of their most joyous and least ironic love songs. Both Benny Goodman and Eddy Duchin recorded the song in the late 1930s. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording here, “This Can’t Be Love” has also been recorded by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “This Can’t Be Love” in July 1973 for his album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released in 1976. Accompanying Bennett was The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, with Braff on trumpet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. Even without either piano or drums, it’s a lovely sound for these Rodgers and Hart songs.

The album was released on Bennett’s Improv label, created after he left Columbia Records.

“This Can’t Be Love,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Favorite Things

The song of the day for Thursday, November 28, 2024, is “My Favorite Things.”

About This Song

“My Favorite Things” was written in 1959 by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein for the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. In the Broadway production, the song was introduced by Mary Martin and sung in the office of the Mother Abbess before Maria leaves to become governess for the von Trapp family. In the film, where it was sung by Julie Andrews, the song was moved to a scene with the children, when there is a storm and Maria sings the song to the children so that they won’t be too

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Favorite Things” on October 1, 1968, for the album Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. The album was arranged and conducted by Richard Farnon.

“My Favorite Things,” as well as Snowfall, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Funny Valentine

The song of the day for Monday, October 28, 2024, is “The song of the day for is “My Funny Valentine.”

About This Song

“My Funny Valentine” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. This ballad is one of the most-loved songs in the American songbook and has been sung by most jazz and cabaret artists. In addition to Tony Bennett’s excellent recordings of this song, others include those by Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, accompanied only Ralph Sharon piano, recorded “My Funny Valentine” 66 years ago today on October 28, 1958, for Tony Sings For Two, which was released in early 1961.

“My Funny Valentine,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available on Apple Music.