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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

June 8, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 9, 2020, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” with Count Basie and His Orchestra in December 1959; it was released the following year on the album In Person! Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Count Basie, Count Basie and His Orchestra, In Person!, John La Touche, Ralph Sharon, Ted Fetter, Tony Bennett, Vernon Duke

January 31, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Live! Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Saturday, February 1, 2020, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Taking a Chance on Love” at his legendary concert at Carnegie Hall in 1962, captured on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Tony Live! Tagged With: John Latouche, Ted Fetter, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, Tony Live!, Vernon Duke

August 20, 2019 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the life and music of William James Basie, who was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on August 21, 1904. In addition to his fine work on the piano, Count Basie was one of best and longest-lasting big band leaders. He founded the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and that orchestra is still playing today. Some of America’s finest jazz musicians played with Basie, including Buck Clayton, Lester Young, Thad Jones, Jo J0nes, Buddy Rich, and Paul Gonsalves are just a few of former members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Harold Jones, called Count Basie’s favorite drummer, currently plays in Tony Bennett’s quartet.

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 BRoadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” in 1958 for his second album with Count Basie and His Orchestra, In Person!, released in 1959. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Taking A Chance On Love

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“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: About His Collaborators, Song of the Day Tagged With: Cabin in the Sky, Count Basie, Count Basie and His Orchestra, Happy Birthday Count Basie, John Latouche, Ralph Sharon, Ted Fetter, Tony Bennett, Vernon Duke

April 8, 2019 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 9, 2019, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written in 1940 by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter. It was written for the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” with Count Basie and His Orchestra for their 1959 album In Person!.

Taking A Chance On Love

Taking A Chance On Love, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Count Basie, Count Basie and His Orchestra, In Person!, John La Touche, Ted Fetter, Tony Bennett, Vernon Duke

August 7, 2017 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 8, 2017 is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was composed by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter, in 1940 for the musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett had already recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” in 1956 for his album Tony before he and Count Basie decided to record it in 1958 for In Person! Ralph Sharon did the arrangement.

Taking A Chance On Love

Taking A Chance On Love, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

As a special treat, here is the wonderful Ethel Waters singing this song with Eddie Anderson from the film version of Cabin in the Sky. The featured dancer is none other than Bill Bailey. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Count Basie and His Orchestra, Ethel Waters, John La Touche, Ralph Sharon, Ted Fetter, Tony Bennett, Vernon Duke

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