The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 26, 2024, is “Solitude.”

About This Song

“Solitude” was written by Duke Ellington in 1934, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session, as they were one number short. It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Solitude” on December 30, 1958, with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the 1959 album In Person!

“Solitude,” as well as In Person!, is available on Apple Music.

I found this video of Tony Bennett and Duke Ellington and His Orchestra appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show on April 6, 1969. Their set starts with “Love Scene” followed by “Solitude” (starting at 2:17):

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Friday, August 20, 2021, is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was written in 1924 by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn. It’s a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards, and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “It Had To Be You” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio, for the album When Lights Are Low.

It Had To Be You

Listen to It Had To Be You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964

“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.

I have a very special video of Tony singing “It Had To Be You” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1965. The recording is breathtaking.

Tony Bennett "It Had To Be You" on The Ed Sullivan Show

Tony Bennett "It Had To Be You" on The Ed Sullivan Show, June 27, 1965. Subscribe now to never miss an update: https://ume.lnk.to/EdSullivanSubscribe Watch more of Tony Bennett"s performances on The Ed Sullivan Show: https://youtube.com/watch?v=hT5VOnaGRSU Watch Motown performances from The Ed Sullivan Show https://youtube.com/watch?v=B9YrYoY0N4I&list=PLQWND5qZhbj3tfQKiK-5FzjLSTUz5WRTf Watch classic Rock and Roll performances from The Ed Sullivan Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxrz00XSOAo&list=PLQWND5qZhbj06AA1fnZQnHvOqP5ZctF8Y Watch Iconic Singers perform on The Ed Sullivan Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIIU9xkGAMs&list=PLQWND5qZhbj1fSTRzLrpV3vLO1yOGx8vH Sign up to receive the Ed Sullivan Show newsletter!