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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

March 19, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Happy Birthday Marian McPartland, Johnny Mercer, Marian McPartland, Robert Farnon, Tony Bennett, With Love

January 30, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke, Robert Farnon, Tony Bennett, With Love

January 28, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Marion Evans, Robert Farnon, Tony Bennett, Tony Makes It Happen!

January 27, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, Robert Farnon, Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, The Sound of Music, Tony Bennett

December 20, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 1`, 2021, the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town.”

About This Song

“Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town” was written in 1934 by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie; the song had a spectacular debut. It was first sung on Eddie Cantor’s radio show in November, 1934. On the day after the broadcast, there were 100,000 orders for the sheet music; by that Christmas, over 400,000 copies of the sheet music had been sold.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town” in 1967 for the album Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, which was released the following year. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town,” as well as Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day, The 12 Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas Tagged With: Haven Gillespie, John Frederick Coots, Robert Farnon, Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, Tony Bennett

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