The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Winter Wonderland

The song of the day for December 15, 2021, the second day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Winter Wonderland.”

About This Song

“Winter Wonderland” was written in 1934 by Felix Barnard and Richard B. Smith. The lyricist Richard Smith wrote this song after a snowfall covered his hometown of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. It is, of course, a beloved holiday song, even though the lyrics do not explicitly mention Christmas.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Winter Wonderland” in 1968 for Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Winter Wonderland,” as well as Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Riviera

The song of the day for Thursday, September 23, 2021, is “The Riviera.”

About This Song

“The Riviera” was written in 1956 by Cy Coleman and Joseph McCarthy, Jr. One of Cy Coleman’s early songs, “The Riviera” predates his long association with lyricist Carolyn Leigh. Popular versions of this song are those by Mabel Mercer and Blossom Dearie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Riviera” in 1971 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Riviera

Listen to The Riviera on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1972

“The Riviera,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe This Time

The song of the day for Thursday, September 16, 2021, is “Maybe This Time.”

About This Song

“Maybe This Time” was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb in 1963. This song appeared in the film version of Cabaret. It was not written for the original Broadway production. Nor was it written especially for the film version; Kander and Ebb had written the song in 1963 for Kaye Ballard. It was therefore not eligible for consideration for an Academy Award. The song is, of course, widely associated with Liza Minnelli, who sang it in the film version of Cabaret. Tony Bennett sang the song regularly at his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Maybe This Time” in 1972 for the album With Love. It was arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon.

Maybe This Time

Listen to Maybe This Time on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1972

“Maybe This Time,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Easy Come, Easy Go

The song of the day for Saturday, September 11, 2021, is “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

About This Song

“Easy Come, Easy Go” was written in 1934 by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman, who also wrote “Body and Soul.” It was first recorded in 1934 by Johnny Green and His Orchestra. It’s also been recorded by Jo Stafford, Bobby Short, Helen Merrill, Anita O’Day, and Susannah McCorkle.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Easy Come, Easy Go” in 1972 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Easy Come, Easy Go

Listen to Easy Come, Easy Go on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1972

“Easy Come, Easy Go,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

On the ninth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Tuesday, December 22, 2020, is “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

About This Song

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” was written in 1934 by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie. It had a spectacular debut. The song 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 Christmas, over 400,000 copies of the sheet music had been sold.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” in 1968 for Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Santa Claus Is Comin" To Town

Listen to Santa Claus Is Comin" To Town on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1968

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” as well as Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, is available from Apple Music.

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