The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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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.

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Song of the Day: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams

The song of the day for Monday, March 4, 2024, is “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams.”

About This Song

“Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” was written in 1931 by Harry Barris, with lyrics by 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 his album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged and conducted by George Siravo.

“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: Stormy Weather

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 6, 2024, is “Stormy Weather.”

About Today

We remember the late Natalie Cole, born on February 6, 1950, daughter of singer and jazz pianist Nat “King” Cole. Cole won her first Grammy in 1975 for Best New Artist Of The Year and Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female for “This Will Be.” Natalie Cole died on December 31, 2015.

About This Song

“Stormy Weather” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1933; the song was first sung at the Cotton Club by Ethel Waters. Lena Horne, who sang with Tony Bennett in the 1970s, recorded it in 1941 and remains strongly associated with this song. It has also been recorded by Kay Starr, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole recorded “Stormy Weather” in June 2001 for the album Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues. It was arranged by Rob Mathes.

“Stormy Weather,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Ill Wind

The song of the day for Friday, December 8, 2023, is “Ill Wind.”

About This Song

“Ill Wind” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1934 for Arlen’s and Koehler’s 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” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Ill Wind,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “Ill Wind” in 1956 for Verve Records.