The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 13, 2023, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?”.

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain in 1939 for 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, with The Count Basie Orchestra, recorded “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” on January 5, 1959, and was released in 1959 on Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. 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 Sunday, April 10, 2022, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written 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 “I’ll Be Seeing You” in 1992 for his album 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 Having Any Fun

The song of the day for Saturday, March 19, 2022, is “Are You Having Any Fun.”

About This Song

“Are You Having 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 and The Count Basie Orchestra recorded “Are You Having Any Fun” in 1959 for their first album: Basie/Bennett. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Are You Having Any Fun,” as well as Basie/Bennett is available on Apple Music.

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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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