The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, January 16, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’s agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman. ”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for the 1977 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “These Foolish Things” by Billie Holiday, with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra:

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Song of the Day: What A Little Moonlight Can Do

The song of the day for Saturday, January 14, 2023, is “What A Little Moonlight Can Do.”

About This Song

“What A Little Moonlight Can Do” was written in 1934 by Harry Woods while was living and working temporarily in London for a British film studio as a composer. One of the songs he wrote was “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” for a movie called Road House. Billie Holiday, with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra, recorded the song in 1935.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” in June 1996 and released it in 1997 on the album Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1935 recording by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra. And yes, that’s Benny Goodman on clarinet.

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Song of the Day: It’s Like Reaching for the Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, December 1, 2022, is “It’s Like Reaching for the Moon.”

About This Song

“It’s Like Reaching for the Moon” was written in 1936 by Al Sherman, Al Lewis, and Gerald Marquesee. This song was first recorded by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra in 1936 and was a hit for her. Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbara Carroll have also recorded today’s song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Like Reaching for the Moon” in May 1989 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“It’s Like Reaching for the Moon,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording by Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson:

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Friday, August 23, 2019, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It’s one Bennett’s best albums and is his tribute to Billie Holiday.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s version, recorded in 1936 with Teddy Wilson.

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