The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Friday, March 27, 2026, 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. Notable recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. The initial release of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released in 1962 with roughly half of the songs omitted, including “I’ve Got the World on a String.” The remaining songs, including “I’ve Got the World on a String,” were included on the 1997 CD re-release.

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

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Song of the Day: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams

The song of the day for Monday, February 23, 2026, is “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams.”

About This Song

“Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” was written by Harry Barris, Ted Koehler, and Billy Moll. It’s one of the classic Depression-era songs that hoped to help people forget their troubles and dream of better days. Bing Crosby made the first recording in 1931 with the Gus Arnheim Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” on September 29, 1964, for the album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement.

“Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Thursday, February 19, 2026 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. Early recordings include Cab Calloway and Frank; Sinatra with the Dorsey Brothers (when they were still talking to each other). 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 the album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and lead his trio (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums).

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

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

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Song of the Day: Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)

The song of the day for Monday, February 16, 2026, is “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good).”

About This Song

“Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1934 for their last show at the Cotton Club, where it was sung by Adelaide Hall. This song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton, Audra McDonald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good),” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday‘s 1956 recording of “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” from All Or Nothing At All.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, is “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me.”

About This Song

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” was written in 1933 by Rube Bloom and Ted Koehler for the Cotton Club Parade – World’s Fair Edition. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Joni Mitchell, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” in June 1992 for the album Perfectly Frank, Bennett’s tribute to Frank Sinatra. 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.

We’ve got Frank Sinatra‘s recording “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” with a Nelson Riddle arrangement, from his 1957 album Where Are You.