The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Danny Boy

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 17, 2020, is “Danny Boy.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!

About This Song

The tune for “Danny Boy” is “Londonderry Air,” a tune popular in the Irish diaspora. It was first collected in 1885, but pre-dates that quite a bit; it is referred to as an “ancient air.” The lyrics were written in 1912by a Bath lawyer named Frederic Weatherly. The song is widely sung on Irish holidays.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Danny Boy” in 1964 with Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums). This recording, as well as several others with Hancock and the rest, are included Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

“Danny Boy,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 24, 2019, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Day Dream” in 1964 with Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones. Bennett and these four fine musicians recorded several other songs, which are included on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

Day Dream – 2011 Remaster

Day Dream – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Day Dream,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Have You Met Miss Jones?

The song of the day for Monday, June 18, 2018 is “Have You Met Miss Jones”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote “Have You Met Miss Jones?” for the musical revue I’d Rather Be Right. It’s one of their sweetest and most charming love songs, as the young man who is introduced to Miss Jones and falls in love immediately. In addition to Bennett’s recording, other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Have You Met Miss Jones?” in 1964 with a terrific jazz quartet: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums). This recording was released on several compilation albums. It’s currently available on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, originally available as part of the Complete Collection box set.

Have You Met Miss Jones?

Have You Met Miss Jones?, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Have You Met Miss Jones?,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Out of This World

The song of the day for Friday, December 1, 2017 is “Out of This World.”

About This Song

“Out of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1944 for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer. I’m not as eloquent as Mr. Wilder–I think it’s a hell of a song by two great songwriters.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Out of This World” in 1964 with a stellar quartet: Herbie Hancock on piano, Stan Getz on saxophone, Ron Carter on bass and Elvin Jones on drums.

Out of This World

Out of This World, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Out of This World,” as well as the other songs collected on Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Have You Met Miss Jones?

The song of the day for Monday, July 5, 2016 is “Have You Met Miss Jones?”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote “Have You Met Miss Jones?” for the musical revue I’d Rather Be Right. It’s one of their sweetest and most charming love songs, as the young man who is introduced to Miss Jones and falls in love immediately. In addition to Bennett’s recordings, other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded this song twice. He recorded it in 1973 with the Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet for Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs. Today I’m featuring his 1964 recording with Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums). This recording, as well as others with this group, were not released until 2011 on the Tony Bennett Complete Collection box set on the Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Vol. 1.

Have You Met Miss Jones?

Have You Met Miss Jones?, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Have You Met Miss Jones?” as well as all the songs on Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites