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 Orfeo

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, is “Samba De Orfeo.”

About This Song

“Samba De Orfeo” was written by Luiz Bonfá for 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 Orfeo” on December 28, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Luiz Bonfá wrote the arrangement.

“Samba De Orfeo,” 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 Friday, January 31, 2025, is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About Today

We’re featuring the release of Tony Bennett’s favorite of his albums, The Movie Song Album, which was released on January 31, 1966.

About This Song

“The Shadow of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster for the 1965 film The Sandpiper, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. It was filmed, beautifully, in Big Sur on the California coastline. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. To this day, Tony Bennett sings this song in his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” on September 26, 1965, for The Movie Song Album. It was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel and featured Jimmy Rowles on piano.

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

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Song of the Day: Never Too Late

The song of the day for Saturday, September 21, 2024, is “Never Too Late.”

About This Song

“Never Too Late” was written in 1965 by David Rose, Ray Evans, and Jay Livingston for a movie of the same name. In this movie, a couple in their sixties, played by Paul Ford and Maureen O’Sullivan find out that they are expecting a quite unexpected baby.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Never Too Late” on December 14, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. David Rose wrote the arrangement.

“Never Too Late,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 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 The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Larry Wilcox wrote the arrangement.

“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: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Monday, July 1, 2024, is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About This Song

“The Shadow of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster in 1965 for 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. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” on September 26, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. The pianist for this recording was Jimmy Rowles.

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