The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: How Do You Keep the Music Playing?

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is “How Do You Keep the Music Playing.”

About This Song

“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” was written by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. This song was written for the 1992 movie Best Friends. where it was introduced by James Ingram and Patti Austin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” for his 1986 album The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

As a special treat, here is the Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett duet of “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” from Duets II.

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Saturday, September 12, 2026, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written in 1967 by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 released the first recording of “So Many Stars” in 1968. Other recordings include those by Sarah Vaughan, Cleo Laine, Helen Merrill, Susannah McCorkle, Natalie Cole, and Frank Sinatra, Jr.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “So Many Stars” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“So Many Stars,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s “So Many Stars,” recorded by Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 in 1967.

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Song of the Day: The Day You Leave Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, is “The Day You Leave Me.”

About This Song

“The Day You Leave Me” was written in the late 1970s by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Christopher Gore. It was originally composed for an unproduced score for a musical adaptation of Atlantic City.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Day You Leave Me” in 1986 for his album The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“The Day You Leave Me,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: So Many Stars

The song of the day for Saturday, May 30, 2026, is “So Many Stars.”

About This Song

“So Many Stars” was written by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, for the Sergio Mendes and the Brasil 66 album Look Around, released in 1968. Since then, the song has found great popularity with popular, jazz and cabaret artists including Kathleen Battle, Lee Konitz, Sarah Vaughan, Earl Klugh, Cleo Laine, and Susannah McCorkle.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “So Many Stars” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence, his first album upon returning to Columbia Records. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“So Many Stars,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s “So Many Stars” from Sergio Mendes and the Brasil 66 album Look Around. It was arranged by Dave Grusin; Lani Hall, married to Herb Albert since 1974, is the singer.

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Song of the Day: Moments Like This

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, is “Moments Like This”

About This Song

“Moments Like This” was written by Burton Lane (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for a 1938 movie called College Swing and was introduced by Florence George. Early recordings include those by Maxine Sullivan, Teddy Wilson and Dick Stabile and His Orchestra. Later recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Bobby Short and Michael Feinstein.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Moments Like This” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence, Bennett’s first album after he returned to Columbia Records. Jorge Calandrelli wroth the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Moments Like This,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.