The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 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 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” on June 27, 1957, for The Beat Of My Heart, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. The Beat Of My Heart was Bennett’s third album. Bennett invited a group of guest percussionists to play on the album; “Lazy Afternoon” featured Chico Hamilton on drums.

“Lazy Afternoon,” 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 Saturday, August 24, 2024, is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About Today

Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, the live recording of Bennett’s extraordinary concert at Carnegie Hall, was released sixty-two years ago on August 24, 1962. It’s always a joy for me to feature a song from this album.

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” at his concert at Carnegie Hall on June 27, 1962. The concert was recorded and released on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, just two months later.

“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, 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: Lazy Afternoon

The song of the day for Saturday, July 30, 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” on June 27, 1957, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was released in 1957 on the album The Beat of My Heart. Chico Hamilton is the featured percussionist for this song,

” Lazy Afternoon,” 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 16, 2018 is “Lazy Afternoon.”

About This Song

“Lazy Afternoon” was written for the 1954 musical The Golden Apple, which uses mythological Greek characters from Ulysses but 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. The songs were composed by Jerome Moss with lyrics and book by John Latouche.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Lazy Afternoon” at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. For me, the song represents the best in Tony Bennett. The Golden Apple was by no means a Broadway hit; it only ran for 125 performances. While “Lazy Afternoon” may be the best-known song from the show, I’m sure it was not especially well-known. A lot of performers might be reluctant to include a song that wasn’t in the mainstream, but Tony Bennett has always had impeccable taste in his choice of the songs he sings and this song is perfect for him and also perfect in terms of arc of this amazing concert.

Lazy Afternoon (From "The Golden Apple") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Lazy Afternoon (From "The Golden Apple") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962


“Lazy Afternoon,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.