The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Samba de Orfeu

The song of the day for Sunday, November 5, 2023, is “Samba de Orfeu.”

About This Song

“Samba de Orfeu” was written by Luiz Bonfá for he great 1959 film, Black Orpheus (Orgeu Negro). The film, based on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice, is set in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval. The film was an international project, with production companies from Brazil, France and Italy. It won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film, as well as the Palme d’Or from the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to this song from Luiz Bonfá, the film also contained several bossa nova songs from Antonio Carlos Jobim.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Samba de Orfeu” on December 28, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Composer Luiz Bonfá wrote the arrangement.

“Samba de Orfeu,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Emily

The song of the day for Monday, October 2, 2023, is “Emily.”

About This Song

“Emily” was written by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer for the 1964 film The Americanization of Emily, which starred James Garner and Julie Andrews. It takes place in London in 1944. Emily, played by Julie Andrews, lost her husband, brother, and father in the war and finds herself attracted to Charlie Madison, played by James Garner. The film was very well received and is a personal favorite of both of the lead actors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Emily” on December 28, 1965, for The Movie Song Album. This song was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel.

“Emily” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Shadow Of Your Smile

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 11, 2023, is “The Shadow Of Your Smile.”

About This Song

“The Shadow Of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster as the main love theme from the 1965 film The Sandpiper, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (and was my late mother’s favorite movie). It was filmed, beautifully, in Big Sur on the California coastline. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow Of Your Smile” on September 26, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. It was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel.

“The Shadow Of Your Smile,” as well as The Movie Song Album is available on Apple Music.

I found this video of Bennett singing today’s song. Sorry, I don’t know the name of the program or the date:

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Thursday, June 15, 2023, is “Days of Wine and Roses.”

About This Song

“Days of Wine and Roses” was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for the 1962 film of the same name, starring Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. This movie is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of Remick and Lemmon to stop drinking. There are scenes in this film that I know I will never forget; it is a true masterpiece. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Days of Wine and Roses” on December 29, 1965, for his masterful The Movie Song Album, released in 1966.. Larry Wilcox wrote the arrangement and Johnny Mandel conducted the orchestra.

“Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as The Movie Song Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Friday, September 23, 2022, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was written in 1965 by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, for the movie The Oscar. The song is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in, The Oscar, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, this song is terrific and beautifully sung by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Maybe September” on December 27, 1965, for his 1965 album The Movie Song Album. Larry Wilcox wrote the arrangement.

“Maybe September,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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