The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Mountain Greenery

The song of the day for Friday, October 28, 2022, is “Mountain Greenery.”

About This Song

“Mountain Greenery” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1926 for The Garrick Gaieties, where it was introduced by Sterling Holloway. . It had two recordings in 1926: one by Roger Wolfe Kahn and the other by Frank Crumit. In later years, this song was recorded by Bing Crosby, Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, John Pizzarelli.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Mountain Greenery” in July 1973 and was released in 1977 on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart.

“Mountain Greenery,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers and Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: There’s A Small Hotel

The song of the day for Thursday, October 27, 2022, is “There’s A Small Hotel.”

About This Song

“There’s a Small Hotel” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1937. Originally written for the musical Jumbo, “There’s A Small Hotel” was used the next year in On Your Toes, where it was introduced by Ray Bolger and Doris Carson. The song has been recorded by artists including Chet Baker, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Della Reese, in addition to Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’s a Small Hotel” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977.

“There’s A Small Hotel,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Lady is a Tramp

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, is “The Lady is a Tramp.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote “The Lady is a Tramp” in 1937 for the Broadway musical Babes In Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. The song was meant as a spoof on the high society of New York, where the singer is clear about what she likes to do, no matter what everyone else is doing. “The Lady Is A Tramp” has been sung by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne. More recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga sang a duet of this song on their 2011 album “Duets II.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Lady is a Tramp” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released in 1976.

“The Lady is a Tramp,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Wish I Were In Love Again

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 25, 2022, is “I Wish I Were In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I Wish I Were In Love Again” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Audra McDonald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977.

“I Wish I Were In Love Again,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Could Write a Book

The song of the day for Monday, October 24, 2022, is “I Could Write a Book.”

About This Song

“I Could Write a Book” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the Broadway musical Pal Joey, where it was introduced by Gene Kelly and Leila Ernst. This has always been an interesting song. Today it’s considered a lovely romantic number, but in the context of the musical, it’s sung as a phony love song in order to woo the innocent ingenue. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Betty Carter, Anita O’Day, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Could Write a Book” in July 1973 for his album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Great Rodgers & Hart Songs, released in 1976.

“I Could Write a Book,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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