The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Most Beautiful Girl In The World

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 17, 2015 is “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World.”

About This Song

“The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” was written by Rodgers and Hart for the 1935 musical Jumbo and became a jazz and popular standard. The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra had a Top 40 hit with the song in 1953. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

I really like this song. Written from the perspective of the man in love, it’s a wonderful song to the girl he loves: the most beautiful girl in the world.

The Most Beautiful Girl In The World

Listen to The Most Beautiful Girl In The World on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004


“The Most Beautiful Girl In The World,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Thou Swell

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 16, 2015 is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz 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 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

Regular readers will know that this song is favorite of this author, due not only to the excellent melody by Rodgers and the clever lyrics by Hart, but also to the charming arrangement and the great joy that Bennett exudes in singing this song. “Thou Swell” is the first cut on Tony Bennett Sings… More Great Rodgers & Hart.

Thine eyes are cute too.

Thou Swell

Listen to Thou Swell on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004

“Thou Swell,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

For those that love this song as much I do, here’s an alternate take:

Thou Swell - Album Version - (Alt. Tk1)

Listen to Thou Swell - Album Version - (Alt. Tk1) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004

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Song of the Day: Have You Met Miss Jones?

The song of the day for Friday, June 12, 2015 is “Have You Met Miss Jones.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote “Have You Met Miss Jones?” in 1937 for the musical revue I’d Rather Be Right. It’s one of their sweetest and most charming love songs, as the young man who is introduced to Miss Jones and falls in love immediately. In addition to Bennett’s recording, other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Ah, love at first sight! What a lovely song and so nicely sung.

Have You Met Miss Jones?

Listen to Have You Met Miss Jones? on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004

“Have You Met Miss Jones?,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Spring Is Here

The song of the day for Thursday, June 11, 2014 is “Spring Is Here.”

About This Song

“Spring Is Here” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1938 film “I Married An Angel,” where it was introduced by Dennis King and Vivienne Segal. It’s one of Hart’s saddest lyrics, where the coming of Spring has no meaning, as his love is gone. But rather than a sad, depressing song, with the lovely melody by Rodgers, the song has sweet poignancy.

About This Version

Tony Bennett can belt a song like nobody’s business. This recording is the complete opposite: soft, introspective, thoughtful and yearning. It feels like these words are being said for the very first time. It’s the perfect song for lost love. I love this side of Bennett’s singing.

Spring Is Here

Listen to Spring Is Here on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004


“Spring Is Here,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Manhattan

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 10, 2015 is “Manhattan.”

About This Song

Written for the Garrick Gaieties in 1925, “Manhattan” is an early Rodgers and Hart song. The song was introduced by the Sterling Holloway. The song made its first film appearance the following year in a short entitled Makers of Melody. The song has remained popular up to today and is frequently recorded by jazz and popular singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, “Manhattan” has been recorded by Blossom Dearie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé and Dinah Washington. It is often used in films, including Silent Movie, Mighty Aphrodite and The English Patient.

In 1924, the writing team of Rodgers and Hart seemed rather stalled. So much so that Rodgers felt compelled to look for a day job. A job selling baby’s underwear was offered for $50 a week; Rodgers asked for 24 hours to think it over. That evening during dinner with his parents (or so the story goes), he gets a call with an offer to write the music for the Garrick Gaieties revue. And so they wrote the song “Manhattan.”

About This Version

It’s only natural that Tony Bennett, the ultimate New Yorker, would sing this song by Rodgers and Hart. I really like this arrangement and the work from The Ruby Braff / George Barnes Quartet is perfect.

About Today

As you may know, Tony Bennett has the flu and had to cancel his 2nd concert in London. Please join The Year of Tony Bennett in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Manhattan

Tony Bennett · The Complete Improv Recordings · Song · 2004


“Manhattan,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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