The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: She’s Funny That Way

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 27, 2025, is “She’s Funny That Way.”

About This Song

“She’s Funny That Way” was written in 1928 by Neil Moret and Richard Whiting. Whiting’s daughter, Margaret Whiting, stated that the lyric started as a poem her father wrote about their mother, Eleanor Whiting. Significant recordings include those by Ted Lewis, Thelma Carpenter, Nat Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday, who recorded it in 1953.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Funny That Way” in June 1966 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“She’s Funny That Way,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Holiday’s 1953 recording:

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Song of the Day: True Blue Lou

The song of the day for July 23, 2025, is “True Blue Lou.”

About This Song

“True Blue Lou” was written by Richard Whiting, with lyrics by Sam Coslow and Leo Robin, for the 1929 musical film The Dance of Life, an adaptation of the Broadway play Burlesque. The song was sung in the film by Hal Skelly, in the role of an out-of-work burlesque comedian. “True Blue Lou” was a standard song for Ethel Waters, who sang it throughout her career. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, Frank Sinatra also recorded it in the 1950s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “True Blue Lou” on April 24, 1963, for his album This Is All I Ask, which was released 62 years ago today on July 23, 1963. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted The Ralph Sharon Trio.

“True Blue Lou,” as well as This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Ethel Waters 1929 recording of “True Blue Lou.”

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Song of the Day: Sleepy Time Gal

The song of the day for Sunday, September 8, 2024, is “Sleepy Time Gal.”

About This Song

“Sleepy Time Gal” was written in 1925 by Richard Whiting and Ange Lorenzo, with lyrics by Joseph R. Alden and Raymond Egan. The song is a husband singing to his wife, who likes to stay up all night and dance, therefore “turning night into day,” to please come home and go to bed. The original treatment was an up-tempo comic song, but is sometimes treated more as a lament, at a slower tempo. It was widely recorded in the late 1920s. Harry James recorded it in 1944 and revived interest in the song. Other good recordings include those by The Mills Brothers and Josephine Baker.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sleepy Time Gal” in Fall 1965 for his album A Time For Love, released in 1966. The song was arranged by Johnny Keating and features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

“Sleepy Time Gal,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: She’s Funny That Way

The song of the day for Monday, August 12, 2024, is “She’s Funny That Way.”

About This Song

“She’s Funny That Way” was written in 1928 by Neil Moret and Richard Whiting (father of Margaret Whiting). This charming song is sung from the point of view of the young lover who is kind of amazed that the woman he loves seems to love him, in spite of his faults.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Funny That Way” on January 18, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangment and conducted the orchestra.

“She’s Funny That Way,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: True Blue Lou

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, is “True Blue Lou.”

About This Song

“True Blue Lou” was written in 1929 by Richard Whiting, with lyrics by Sam Coslow and Leo Robin, for the 1929 file musical The Dance of Life. The song was sung in the film by Hal Skelly, in the role of an out-of-work burlesque comedian. “True Blue Lou” was a standard song for Ethel Waters, who sang it throughout her career. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, Frank Sinatra also recorded it in the 1950s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “True Blue Lou” sixty-one years ago today on April 24, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“True Blue Lou,” as well as This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.