The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Thou Swell

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 15, 2021, is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart wrote “Thou Swell” for the 1927 musical A Connecticut Yankee, based on the Mark Twain novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. “Thou Swell” is one of the more charming songs from the musical, as the lyrics feature a combination of modern and medieval language: “thine eyes are cute too” and “I’d feel so rich in a hut for two.” It’s a personal favorite of your author.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Thou Swell” with The Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet in 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977.

Thou Swell

Listen to Thou Swell on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2004.

“Thou Swell,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, January 14, 2021, is “Blue Moon.”

About This Song

“Blue Moon” was written in 1933 by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart. The song first appeared in the 1934 film Manhattan Melodrama, though with a completely different lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Blue Moon” with The Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet for the first of their two Rodgers and Hart albums: Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released in 1976 on Bennett’s Improv Label.

Blue Moon

Listen to Blue Moon on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2004.

“Blue Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook , is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Manhattan

The song of the day for Thursday, December 10, 2020, is “Manhattan.”

About This Song

Written for the 1925 Garrick Gaieties, “Manhattan” is an early song by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart. The song was introduced by Sterling Holloway. The song made its first film appearance the following year in a short entitled Makers of Melody. The song has remained popular up to today and is frequently recorded by jazz and popular singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, “Manhattan” has been recorded by Blossom Dearie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, and Dinah Washington. It is often used in films, including Silent Movie, Mighty Aphrodite, and The English Patient.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Manhattan” for the 1976 album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs. He was accompanied by The Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet, consisting of Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. It’s a lovely sound for these Rodgers and Hart songs.

Manhattan

Listen to Manhattan on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2004.

“Manhattan,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, November 1, 2020, is “Blue Moon.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart wrote “Blue Moon” in 1933. Although written in 1933, “Blue Moon” first appeared in the 1934 film Manhattan Melodrama, though with a completely different lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Blue Moon” in 1973 with The Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet, which featured Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. It was released on Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs in 1976 on Bennett’s Improv label.

Blue Moon

Listen to Blue Moon on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1973.

“Blue Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, March 5, 2020, is “Blue Moon.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart wrote “Blue Moon” in 1933. Although written in 1933, “Blue Moon” first appeared in the 1934 film Manhattan Melodrama, though with a completely different lyric. I can’t imagine any lyric other than the one we all know; it’s quite perfect.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blue Moon” in July 1973, and released it in 1976 on Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs. He’s accompanied by The Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet, featuring Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. With neither piano or drums, the sound is perfect for the Rodgers and Hart songs.

“Blue Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available from iTunes.

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