The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Close Enough For Love

The song of the day for Monday, May 15, 2023, is “Close Enough For Love.”

About This Song

“Close Enough For Love” was written in 1979 by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by Paul Williams. It was first recorded by Peggy Lee on her album of the same name. In addition to the recordings by Lee and Bennett, it has been recorded by many jazz and pop singers; the Shirley Horn recording on her 1989 album Close Enough For Love is especially notable.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Close Enough For Love” in 2004 for his album The Art of Romance. It was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

“Close Enough For Love,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Monday, April 17, 2023, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.”

About This Song

“Don’t Like Goodbyes” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like Goodbyes” has been recorded by Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Like Goodbyes” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All For You

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 14, 2023, is “All For You.”

About This Song

“All For You” was written by Django Reinhardt (1940) and Tony Bennett (2004).

Tony Bennett’s son, Danny, had long encouraged his father to write a song. While performing in Hawaii, he dropped into a small jazz club and heard the Django Reinhardt song “Nuages” and felt he had found the right melody for the music he had in mind. The resulting song is lovely.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All For You” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. It was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel.

“All For You,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Little Did I Dream

The song of the day for Monday, February 13, 2023, is “Little Did I Dream.”

About This Song

“Little Did I Dream” was written in 2003, with music by Johnny Mandel and lyrics by Dave Frishberg. The song first appeared on Frishberg’s 2003 album Do You Miss New York< Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Little Did I Dream” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“Little Did I Dream,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All In Fun

The song of the day for Saturday, February 11, 2023, is “All In Fun.”

About This Song

“All In Fun” was written in 1939 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the musical Very Warm For May. Though the show was not well-reviewed, the score contained some wonderful songs including this one and “All The Things You Are.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All In Fun” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“All In Fun,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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