The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Crazy Rhythm

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 25, 2023, is “Crazy Rhythm.”

About This Song

“Crazy Rhythm” was written Joseph Meyer, Roger Wolfe Kahn, and Irving Caesar for the 1929 musical Here’s Howe. It’s been a popular standard since it was written and has been heavily recorded, not just by jazz and popular artists, but by other genres including hillbilly. Significant recordings include those by Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Stan Getz, Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, and Whispering Jack Smith.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy Rhythm” on June 27, 1957, for his album The Beat of My Heart, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. For this album, Bennett invited percussionists to play; this recording featured Chico Hamilton.

“Crazy Rhythm,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 27, 2023, is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About This Song

“Lazy Afternoon” was written by Jerome Moss and John LaTouche for the 1954 musical The Golden Apple. The musical uses mythological Greek characters from Ulysses but is set in the state of Washington (at Mount Olympia, of course) in the United States. This song, as well as the entire score, is quite beautiful.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lazy Afternoon” 66 years ago today, June 27, 1957, for his album The Beat of My Heart. Bennett invited many notable percussionists to play on the recordings; Chico Hamilton played for “Lazy Afternoon.” Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as The Beat of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Face The Music and Dance

The song of the day for Monday, August 1, 2022, is “Let’s Face The Music and Dance.”

About This Song

“Let’s Face the Music and Dance” was written by Irving Berlin in 1936 for the film Follow the Fleet starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Astaire – Rogers dance to this song is considered one of their best. This song has also been recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Face The Music and Dance” on October 25, 1957. It wasn’t included in 1957 on the album The Beat of My Heart, but was added to the CD re-release. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and features percussionists Candido, Sabu, and Billy Exiner.

“Let’s Face The Music and Dance,” as well as The Beat of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blues in the Night

The song of the day for Friday, April 15, 2022, is “Blues in the Night.”

About This Song

“Blues in the Night” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1941 movie of the same name. Arlen wrote the music first and wrote a true blues song. Johnny Mercer, who later wrote the lyrics, drew on his southern heritage to write the exceptional blues lyrics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blues in the Night” in 1957 for his album The Beat of My Heart, which featured percussionists from all over. Drummer Jo Jones is featured on the recording. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and conducted the album.

“Blues in the Night,” as well as The Beat of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Friday, March 4, 2022, is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About This Song

“Lazy Afternoon” was written by Jerome Moss and John LaTouche for the 1954 musical The Golden Apple, which uses mythological Greek characters from Ulysses but is set in the state of Washington (at Mount Olympia, of course) in the United States. This song, as well as the entire score, is quite beautiful.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lazy Afternoon” in 1957 for The Beat Of My Heart. For this album, Bennett invited percussionists to play; “Lazy Afternoon” features Chico Hamilton. Ralph Sharon wrote the arragements.

“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as The Beat Of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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