The song of the day for Saturday, May 16, 2015 is “I Concentrate On You.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “I Concentrate On You” for the film Broadway Melody of 1940, which starred Fred Astaire. It’s one of Porter’s best songs, with recordings by Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington and Judy Garland among others.

About This Version

I’m so glad that Tony Bennett included this song on Steppin’ Out and even more because he sings the verse. It starts off almost like an aria that sets up the lyrics of the rest of song beautifully. It’s one of Porter’s more sincere and poetic songs and is one my personal favorites of his songs.

“I Concentrate On You,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

I was unable to locate a video from Broadway Melody of 1940, however I did find this wonderful recording from Fred Astaire’s 1952 studio album The Astaire Story. If you like Fred Astaire, I strongly recommend this album; I think you’ll enjoy it.

“I Concentrate On You,” as well as The Astaire Story, is available from iTunes.