The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Dat Dere

The song of the day for Thursday, February 4, 2021, is “Dat Dere.”

About This Song

The jazz instrumental “Dat Dere” was written in 1960 by Bobby Timmons; it was first played by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1960, with Timmons on piano. Oscar Brown, Jr. wrote lyrics for the tune in 1961 for his album Sin & Soul … and Then Some. The song has been recorded by jazz and popular singers including Mel Tormé and Rickie Lee Jones.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Dat Dere” in 1998 for his album for children named The Playground, with the Ralph Sharon Trio. Bobby Tucker, the pianist for jazz greats including Billie Holiday, was the musical consultant for the album.

Dat Dere

Listen to Dat Dere on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1998

“Dat Dere,” as well as The Playground, is available from Apple Music.

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Tony Live! A Foggy Day

The song of the day for Saturday, September 19, 2020, is “A Foggy Day.”

About This Song

“A Foggy Day” was written by George and Ira Gershwin. It was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1937 movie A Damsel in Distress. The song has been quite popular with many great recordings, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Foggy Day” with The Ralph Sharon Trio on his live performance on MTV Unplugged. In addition to Sharon on piano, the trio consisted of Doug Richeson on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“A Foggy Day,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, September 11, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney. But as far as I’m concerned, Tony Bennett owns this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low, backed by The Ralph Sharon Trio, which featured Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Just About Everything

The song of the day for Thursday, September 10, 2020, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got Just About Everything” was written by the great Bob Dorough. In addition to being a composer, he was a noted pianist and musical director, including his work with Blossom Dearie and Miles Davis. He is best known outside the jazz world for his work on Schoolhouse Rock.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Sharon shines on piano in this recording.

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: When Lights Are Low

The song of the day for Friday, July 24, 2020, is “When Lights Are Low.”

About This Song

“When Lights Are Low” was written in 1936 by Benny Carter and Spencer Williams; both Carter and Williams were living and working in Europe. Carter was the staff arranger for the BBC during that time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When Lights Are Low” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. The recording features The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass. In addition to playing piano, Sharon arranged the tune.

“When Lights Are Low,” as well as the album When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.