The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: On Green Dolphin Street

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 26, 2020, is “On Green Dolphin Street.”

About This Song

“On Green Dolphin Street” was written in 1947 by Bronislaw Kaper, with lyrics by Ned Washington, for the film Green Dolphin Street, starring Lana Turner. While the song was not widely hailed at the time, it soon became popular with jazz musicians and has become a jazz standard (ranking #25 on jazzstandards.com), especially after the Miles Davis’ 1958 recording.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “On Green Dolphin Street” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. The Ralph Sharon Trio consisted of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

“On Green Dolphin Street,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

By 2 Comments

Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 4, 2019, 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Bennett first recorded this song in 1961–a strong and confident, uptempo version. This recording from 1964 is slower and more introspective. Both versions are wonderful.

The Rules Of The Road – 2011 Remaster

The Rules Of The Road – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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