The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Second Time Around

The song of the day for Monday, March 28, 2016 is “The Second Time Around.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “The Second Time Around,” was written in 1960 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for film High Time and starred Bing Crosby, Fabian and Tuesday Weld. In the film, Bing Crosby decides to go back to college (at the age of 51) and experiences the generation gap first-hand. But he wins everyone over and gets his degree, having a great time along the way, including falling in love with his French professor. Bing Crosby introduced “The Second Time Around” in the movie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this song for one of his best albums: The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. The arrangement is by Al Cohn.

The Second Time Around

Listen to The Second Time Around on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


“The Second Time Around,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

I would swear that my Dad had that sweater, in the exact same color, that Tony is wearing on the cover of The Movie Song Album.

About Today

Sorry for the break. I’ve had a bad case of the flu and but am finally feeling better and am glad to be back!

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Song of the Day: Emily

The song of the day for Monday, November 23, 2015 is “Emily.”

About This Song

Today’s 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” in 1965; “Emily” was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel. It was released the following year on The Movie Song Album.

Emily

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


“Emily,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett would like to wish Johnny Mandel a very happy birthday. Mr. Mandel was born on November 23, 1925 in New York, making him 90 years old today. Mr. Mandel is one of the premier film composers of the 20th century, with songs such as “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Suicide is Painless” (from M*A*S*H) and “Where Do You Start” along with many others. In addition to his film work, he is also a noted jazz musician, having worked with artists including Count Basie, Peggy Lee, Anita O’Day and Shirley Horn.

Happy birthday to you and many more!

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Song of the Day: The Shadow of Your Smile

The song of the day for Thursday, September 24, 2015 is “The Shadow of Your Smile.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “The Shadow of Your Smile,” was composed by Johnny Mandel (music) and Paul Francis Webster (lyrics) 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 album The Movie Song Album. It was arranged and conducted by the composer, the great Johnny Mandel.

While researching today’s song, I found a very nice and well-written 2010 review of The Movie Song Album by Mark Myers on jazzwax. Highly recommended.

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 iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Friday, July 17, 2015 is “Smile.”

About This Song

Charlie Chaplin wrote “Smile” in 1936 for his last silent film, Modern Times, which shows Chaplin and his costar Paulette Goddard, walking hand-in-hand up the road as the sun rises and as this song plays, in one of the most iconic scenes ever filmed.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “Smile” several times, first in 1959. I chose his second studio recording from 1965 for The Movie Song Album. This version was arranged by Al Cohn and conducted by Johnny Mandel. This song is a favorite of Tony Bennett: he sings at virtually all of his concerts. Your author tears up every time. Mr. Chaplin loved Bennett’s singing of his song that he gave Bennett a copy of the film Modern Times.

If you’ve never seen the film (and I encourage you to see it), here’s that final scene with Chaplin and Goddard. Pure genius.

Smile

Tony Bennett · The Movie Song Album · Song · 1966


“Smile,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Monday, February 23, 2015 is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was composed by Percy Faith with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. It is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in (so far), The Oscar, 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 and released it in January 1966 on The Movie Song Album. He also recorded the song again in 1976 for his second album with Bill Evans, Together Again.

About Today

I just finished watching this year’s Academy Awards and knew I had to feature Bennett’s song from The Oscar as the song of the day. Alas, I’ve never seen this movie and keep on hoping that it will turn up on television some day.

We were blown away tonight by Lady Gaga’s performance of the medley of songs from The Sound Of Music. When Julie Andrews came out and hugged her after she finished, we were so happy and thrilled for Lady. What an amazing talent she is. Will she be on Broadway next? I wouldn’t be surprised one bit!

Song from "The Oscar" (Maybe September)

Listen to Song from "The Oscar" (Maybe September) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


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

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