The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Thursday, April 14, 2022, is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

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 (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” in 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.

.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Thursday, August 26, 2021, 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 Jack Lemon and Lee Remick. This movie is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of the 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” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Larry Wilcox wrote the arrangement.

Days of Wine and Roses

Listen to Days of Wine and Roses on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Emily

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 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 and 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” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album. The recording was arranged and conducted by Mandel.

Emily

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Monday, November 23, 2020, is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the life of Johnny Mandel, born on November 23, 1925, in New York City. He was a prolific composer, especially for films. Sadly, we lost Mandel this year, who died on June 29, 2020, at the age of 94.

About This Song

“The Shadow of Your Smile” was written by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shadow of Your Smile” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. It was arranged and conducted by Mandel and features Jimmy Rowles on piano. The recording won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from "The Sandpiper")

Listen to The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from "The Sandpiper") on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 15, 2020, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Maybe September” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Bennett has said several times that this one of his favorites of the albums he’s made.

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