The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Come Rain or Come Shine

The song of the day for Friday, August 15, 2025, is “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

About This Song

“Come Rain or Come Shine” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1946 musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual in that the same note is repeated 12 times in the first two measures. Despite that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain or Come Shine” 65 years ago on August 15, 1960, for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, released in 1961. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Come Rain or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Come Rain or Come Shine

The song of the day for Friday, November 17, 2017 is “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

About This Song

Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer wrote “Come Rain or Come Shine” in 1946 for the Broadway musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual, in that the same note repeated 12 times in the first two measures. In spite of that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain or Come Shine” in 1960 for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. Composer, arranger, musician and band leader Glenn Osser did the arrangements for the entire album. I think it’s worth noting that the first album of Bennett’s that was devoted to an individual artist was to Harold Arlen. I am most grateful that Bennett not only recorded this album of Arlen songs, but has continued to sing and record Harold Arlen throughout his career.

Come Rain Or Come Shine

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“Come Rain or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Come Rain or Come Shine

The song of the day for Monday, October 10, 2016 is “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

About This Song

“Come Rain or Come Shine” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual, in that the same note repeated 12 times in the first two measures. In spite of that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain or Come Shine” in 1960 for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, featuring an arrangement by Glenn Osser.

Come Rain Or Come Shine

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“Come Rain or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings A String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Come Rain Or Come Shine

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 24, 2016 is “Come Rain Or Come Shine.”

About This Song

Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer wrote “Come Rain Or Come Shine” in 1946 for the Broadway musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual, in that the same note repeated 12 times in the first two measures. In spite of that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain Or Come Shine” in 1960 for his album of Arlen music: Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen, released in 1961. It was arranged by Glenn Osser.

Come Rain Or Come Shine

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“Come Rain Or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Come Rain Or Come Shine

The song of the day for Sunday, January 19, 2014 is “Come Rain Or Come Shine.”

About This Song

“Come Rain Or Come Shine” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for their 1946 musical St. Louis Woman. The song was introduced by Ruby Hill and Harold Nicholas (his brother Fayard was also cast in the production). While the Arlen/Mercer score was widely praised, the production had a number of problems, ranging from a poor book to a rather depressing and serious story. The leading role had been originally intended for Lena Horne, but after the NAACP criticized the musical, she turned down the role. Other songs from St. Louis Woman include “Any Place I Hand My Hat Is Home” and “I Had Myself a True Love.”

About This Version

The Year of Tony Bennett crew (all two of us) sat down this evening and viewed the Johnny Mercer documentary The Dream’s On Me, produced by Clint Eastwood. We enjoyed it immensely — how can you not love the lyrics of Johnny Mercer, especially when paired with the music of Harold Arlen? I knew we had to feature a Johnny Mercer song; I also wanted to explore more the score of the musical they wrote together, St. Louis Woman.

Tony Bennett recorded this song in 1960 for the album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. All of the songs on the album were arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser.

http://open.spotify.com/track/2FIt3D8ZMrnPx3vIoGpWZJ
“Come Rain Or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.