The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Country Girl

The song of the day for Thursday, September 29, 2022, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written in 1966 by Robert Farnon and was based on the Wordsworth poem The Solitary Reaper for the Eurovision Song Contest; it came in third. All I can say is that those other two songs must have been phenomenal because “Country Girl” is one of the most beautiful and touching songs that I have ever heard.

When Farnon died in 2007, Tony Bennett sang “Country Girl” at his memorial service.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Country Girl” on November 26, 1966, with an arrangement by Marion Evans. The song was released on Bennett’s 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!

“Country Girl,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Twilight World

The song of the day for Sunday, March 20, 2022, is “Twilight World.”

About Today

We are very pleased to honor Marian McPartland on the anniversary of her birth on March 20, 1918, in Slough, United Kingdom. She was a noted pianist, composer, and writer. Her NPR series, Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, ran from 1978 to 2011 and introducted jazz to much of America.

About This Song

“Twilight World” was written by Marian McPartland, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer in 1957. This ballad by Marian McPartland has proven to be one of her most enduring and popular songs. The tune itself is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, often played in a bossa nova style. The lyrics by Johnny Mercer are quite good, and the combination makes for nearly perfect jazz song. Tony Bennett said “well, that song will last forever. It’s a beautiful song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Twilight World” in 1971; the recording was released on the album With Love in 1972. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement

“Twilight World,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

We are happy to present the 1990 episode of Piano Jazz with Tony Bennett as guest. It’s really lovely.

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Song of the Day: Here’s That Rainy Day

The song of the day for Monday, January 31, 2022, is “Here’s That Rainy Day.”

About This Song

““Here’s That Rainy Day” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 1953 Broadway musical Carnival in Flanders, which only ran for six performances. This song, however, is quite good and has remained a popular ballad over the years. In addition to Bennett’s recording, it has also been recorded by those such as Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Steve Lawrence, Billy Eckstine, and Ann Hampton Calloway. The song is also proved a favorite of jazz instrumentalists, including Dave Brubeck, Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, and Art Pepper, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Here’s That Rainy Day” in 1972 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon arranged and conducted all of the songs on this album.

“Here’s That Rainy Day,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Country Girl

The song of the day for Saturday, January 29, 2022, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written in 1966 by Robert Farnon, the Canadian-born composer, conductor, arranger, and trumpet player. He composed both light classical and popular music, as well as film and television scores. Robert Farnon worked with Tony Bennett on several albums, including the wonderful 1968 Snowfall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Country Girl” in 1966 for his album Tony Makes It Happen!, released in 1967. This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“Country Girl,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Favorite Things

The song of the day for Friday, January 28, 2022, is “My Favorite Things.”

About This Song

“My Favorite Things” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1959 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 scared.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Favorite Things” in 1968 for Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. Robert Farnon wrote the very nice arrangement.

“My Favorite Things,” as well as Snowball: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

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