The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Friday, January 17, 2025, is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written in 1932 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, where it was introduced by Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, considers it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” in June 1992 for his album of Frank Sinatra songs, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. Sharon, on piano, led the Ralph Sharon Trui, with Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

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

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, where it was introduced by Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder considered it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” live at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. The recording was not included in the original LP release of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, but was released on the 1997 CD release, Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The song of the day for Friday, July 19, 2024, is “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.”

About This Song

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1931; it was one of the early swing rhythm songs. It was recorded in the first few years by Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. The Benny Goodman recording, with vocals by Helen Ward, is also well-regarded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” on September 4, 1964, for the album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged and conducted by George Siravo.

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me

The song of the day for Sunday, June 30, 2024, is “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me.”

About This Song

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” was written by Rube Bloom and Ted Koehler in 1933. It was introduced in the Cotton Club Parade — World’s Fair Edition.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” in June 1992 for Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Sunday, March 10, 2024, is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, where it was introduced by Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, considers it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” in June 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. it was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.