The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Limehouse Blues

The song of the day for Thursday, September 8, 2022, is “Limehouse Blues.”

About This Song

“Limehouse Blues” was written in 1922 by Philip Braham and Douglas Furber for a British revue, Andre Charlot’s Revue of 1924, which was imported to New York and introduced Gertrude Lawrence to America. The song concerns life in London’s Chinatown. The song has a standard place in the jazz repertory, with recordings by Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Django Reinhardt, Sidney Bechet, and the Dave Brubeck Quartet in addition to this recording by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Limehouse Blues” on September 11, 1963, for his album The Many Moods of Tony. It was arranged by Dick Hyman and also featured Hyman playing the organ.

“Limehouse Blues,” as well as The Many Moods of Tony is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: When Joanna Loved Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 6, 2022, is “When Joanna Loved Me.”

About This Song

“When Joanna Loved Me” was written in 1963 by Jack Segal and Robert Wells and is one of Tony Bennett’s more popular songs. When he performed this song, he would introduce it by saying “I love this song so much that I named my first daughter after it.” It’s a lovely ballad.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When Joanna Loved Me” on September 17, 1963, for the 1964 album The Many Moods of Tony. It was arranged by Marty Manning.

“When Joanna Loved Me,” as well as The Many Moods Of Tony is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: So Long, Big Time!

The song of the day for Sunday, September 4, 2022, is “So Long, Big Time!”

About This Song

“So Long, Big Time!” was written in 1963 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Dory Langdon Previn. One of Arlen’s later songs, “So Long, Big Time!” is about the “player” who’s run out of luck and is giving up the fast life and knows when it’s time to walk away. The Bill Evans Trio and Monica Zetterlund recorded this song in 1964 for the album Waltz For Debby.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “So Long, Big Time!” on September 17, 1963, and was released in 1964 on the album The Many Moods of Tony. Harold Arlen conducted this recording; the arrangement was written by Marty Manning.

“So Long, Big Time!,” as well as The Many Moods Of Tony is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: So Long, Big Time!

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 19, 2021, is “So Long, Big Time!”

About This Song

“So Long, Big Time!” was written in 1963 by Harold Arlen and Dory Previn. One of Arlen’s later songs, “So Long, Big Time!” is about the “player” who’s run out of luck and is giving up the fast life and knows when it’s time to walk away. The Bill Evans Trio and Monica Zetterlund recorded this song in 1964 for the album Waltz For Debby.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “So Long, Big Time!” in 1963 for The Many Moods of Tony, released in 1964. Harold Arlen conducted the orchestra for the recording.

So Long, Big Time!

Listen to So Long, Big Time! on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“So Long, Big Time!”, as well as The Many Moods of Tony, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Spring In Manhattan

The song of the day for Sunday, March 21, 2021, is “Spring In Manhattan.”

About This Song

“Spring In Manhattan” was written by Anthony Scibetta and Alice Reach in 1963. Blossom Dearie, a friend of Scibetta, introduced Tony Bennett to Scibetta. Tony Bennett said in the liner notes for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett that “It was refreshing to hear someone say something good about New York, so I decided to record it.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Spring In Manhattan” in 1963 for his album The Many Moods Of Tony, featuring an arrangement by Don Costa.

Spring In Manhattan

Listen to Spring In Manhattan on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“Spring In Manhattan,” as well as The Many Moods Of Tony, is available from Apple Music.

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