This afternoon at the office, I set my iPod to shuffle Tony Bennett songs. The first song that popped up was Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered. So, for the Song of The Day for August 25, 2012, we feature another wonderful Rodgers and Hart song.

About Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered

Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered was written for the 1940 musical, Pal Joey. It was introduced on Broadway by Vivienne Segal.  The score of Pal Joey is first-rate, but this song is the runaway hit song from the show (though I Could Write a Book is a close second).  The song has been enormously popular with popular, jazz and cabaret singers from 1940 until today.  In addition to Tony’s recording presented here, significant recordings include Helen Forrest with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Dori Day, Ella Fitzgerald and, of course, Frank Sinatra, who starred as Joey Evans in the 1957 film.

About This Version

This version of Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered is from the 1961 album Tony Sings For Two.  The album was just Tony with Ralph Sharon. The album is a deep exploration of the Great American Songbook, performed by two masterful musicians at the top of their game.  Tony’s phrasing on this album is impeccable, as exemplified in our Song of the Day.