The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Gone With The Wind

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, is “Gone With The Wind.”

About This Song

“Gone With The Wind” (not to be confused with the book and film Gone With The Wind) was written in 1937 by Allie Wrubel and Herb Magidson. Alec Wilder notes in American Popular Song that “these exceptional songs from competent but unexceptional writers fascinate and plague me. For if they could write one sensitive, inventive, exceptional song, why not more?” Wrubel and Magidson may be lost to songwriting history, save this rather wonderful song with its timeless feel.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Gone With The Wind” in 2004 for The Art of Romance, released 20 years ago on November 19, 2004. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“Gone With The Wind,” 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 Friday, November 1, 2024, 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.

The Art of Romance won the Grammy Awawrd for Best Traditional Pop Album..

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” 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, June 17, 2024, 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 album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrabgenebt,

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

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Song of the Day: Little Did I Dream

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 15, 2024, is “Little Did I Dream.”

About This Song

“Little Did I Dream” was written by Johnny Mandel and Dave Frishberg in 2003. Mandel’s melody was based on song Mandel wrote in 1950 called “Hershey Bar,” that was first recorded by The Stan Getz Quartet.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Little Did I Dream” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker, Bennett’s pianist and musical director, wrote the arrangement; Johnny Mandel conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

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

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Song of the Day: Where Do You Start

The song of the day for Sunday, April 14, 2024, is “Where Do You Start.”

About This Song

“Where Do You Start” was written in 1987 by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. This song has had many great recordings, including those from Nancy Lamott, Shirley Horn, Rosemary Clooney, Barbra Streisand, the Brad Mehldau Trio, Annie Ross, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Where Do You Start” in 2004 for his album The Art of Romance. It was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel.

“Where Do You Start,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.