The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 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’s Scandals. George 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 Havin’ Any Fun?” in 1959 for his album with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the album Basie/Bennett. Tony tells this story from his autobiography The Good Life:

I didn’t meet Count Basie until our rehearsals began. We hit it off right away, as though we always knew and understood each other. At one point Basie turned to his band, pointed at me, and said, “Anything this man wants, he gets!” I was floored.

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 7, 2019, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?.”

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written for the 1939 George White’s Scandals by Jack Yellin and Sammy Fain. George 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 Havin’ Any Fun?” on January 5, 1959, with Count Basie and His Orchestra. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. It was released on the album Basie/Bennett, released in 1959.

Are You Havin’ Any Fun? – 1990 Remix / Remaster

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“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Saturday, July 13, 2019, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” written in 1938 by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal, 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, Rosemary Clooney, and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in 1992 for his album of songs sung by Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. The album won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

I’ll Be Seeing You

I’ll Be Seeing You, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 1, 2018 is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written in 1938 by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. The 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 “Perfectly Frank” in 1992 for his album of songs associated with Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

I’ll Be Seeing You

I’ll Be Seeing You, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Are You Having Any Fun?

The song of the day for Saturday, June 30, 2018 is “Are You Having Any Fun?”.

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White’s Scandals. George 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 this version of “Are You Having Any Fun?” with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the 1959 album Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon did the arrangement.

Life Is A Song (Let’s Sing It Together) – 1990 Remix/Remaster

Life Is A Song (Let’s Sing It Together) – 1990 Remix/Remaster, a song by Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Tristan Powell on Spotify


“Are You Having Any Fun?” as well as Basie Swings, Bennett Sings, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Tony Bennett’s second recording of today’s song was made in 2006. It was a duet with Elvis Costello for Duets: An American Classic. We’re happy to present a nice video of the recording session. The band for this recording consists of Lee Musiker (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass) and Harold Jones (drums).

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