The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Tender is the Night

The song of the day for Friday, September 6, 2024, is “Tender Is The Night.”

About This Song

“Tender is the Night” was written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster for the 1962 film of the same name, based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The film starred Jason Robards and Jennifer Jones. “Tender Is the Night” received an Oscar nomination for Best Song, but lost to “Days of Wine and Roses” by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. I remember watching this film on Sunday Night at the Movies when I was a kid.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Tender is the Night” on September 6, 1961, for the album I Left My Heart In San Francisco. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Tender Is The Night,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Are You Havin’ Any Fun

The song of the day for Friday, January 26, 2024, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun.”

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White Scandals. White produced these Broadway revues from 1919 to 1939. Stars introduced in his Scandals include Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, and The Three Stooges.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Orchestra, recorded “Are You Havin’ Any Fun” on January 5, 1959, for the album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Monday, December 4, 2023, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written in 1938 by Sammy Fain, with lyrics by Irving Kahal. The song grew to fame during World War II, becoming an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and their loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in June 1992 for his tribute album to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

The song of the day for Monday, August 21, 2023, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun.”

About Today

William James “Count” Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. His collaborations with Tony Bennett in the late 1950s were highlights for the young jazz singer. The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to remember Count Basie on the anniversary of his birth.

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White’s Scandals. White produced these Broadway revues from 1919 to 1939. Stars introduced in his Scandals include Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, and The Three Stooges.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Are You Having Any Fun?” on January 5, 1959, for the album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, with Count Basie and His Orchestra. The song was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Friday, June 2, 2023, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written in 1938 by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. This song grew to its fame during World War II, when it became something of an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and the loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in June 1992 for his album dedicated to Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Perfectly Frank won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Sinatra’s recording of “I’ll Be Seeing You” with Tommy Dorsey, recorded in 1940:

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