The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: We’ll Be Together Again

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 31, 2017 is “We’ll Be Together Again.”

About This Song

“We’ll Be Together Again” was written by Carl T. Fischer in 1945, who was Frankie Laine’s pianist and musical director. Fischer asked Laine to write the lyrics, which he, quite nicely. In addition to the recording by Tony Bennett and Bill Evans, this song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and, of course, Frankie Laine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “We’ll Be Together Again” in 1975 for their first album, The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album.

We"ll Be Together Again

Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“We’ll Be Together Again,” as well as The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Today, we close out our musical collaborator of the month, Bill Evans, at The Year of Tony Bennett. Stay tuned tomorrow for a new collaborator.

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Song of the Day: The Touch of Your Lips

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 24, 2017 is “The Touch of Your Lips.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “The Touch of Your Lips,” was written in 1936 by Ray Noble. Noble was a popular English bandleader who became quite popular in the US as well. After great success in London, he and his vocalist Al Bowlly appeared at the Rainbow Room in 1934. “The Touch of Your Lips” has been recorded by Chet Baker, Nat King Cole and Andy Williams.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “The Touch of Your Lips” in 1975 for their album The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album. I love how it starts with Bennett singing a cappella, with Evans joining in after a few bars. Sweet.

The Touch Of Your Lips

Bill Evans, Tony Bennett · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“The Touch of Your Lips,” as well as The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Young and Foolish

The song of the day for Sunday, May 21, 2017 is “Young and Foolish.”

About This Song

Young and Foolish” was written by Albert Hague and Arnold B. Horwitt for the 1954 musical Plain and Fancy. The show concerns a New York couple who travel to Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to sell a piece of property and become involved with and learn from the community.

About This Version

Today, I’m featuring an alternate take of “Young and Foolish,” recorded in 1975 by Tony Bennett and Bill Evans for their first album The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album.

Young And Foolish - Take 4

Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“Young and Foolish,” as well as The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Friday, May 19, 2017 is “Days of Wine and Roses.”

About This Song

“The Days of Wine and Roses” was written in 1962 by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for the film of the same name and starred Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon (both of whom gave masterful performances). 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 a true masterpiece. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Days of Wine and Roses” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album. But for our song of the day, I’m featuring his 1975 recording with Bill Evans for The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album.

Days Of Wine And Roses

Bill Evans, Tony Bennett · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Friday, May 12, 2017 is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In the year 2000, as part of his 70th birthday celebration at the Library of Congress, Stephen Sondheim chose a list of ‘Songs I Wish I Had Written (At Least in Part).’ On this list were several songs by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, most of which are songs that Tony Bennett has recorded, including “When In Rome.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “When In Rome” in 1975 for their first album, The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album. Evans said it was him that picked this song, as he loved the harmonic structure of the music.

When In Rome

Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · Song · 1975


“When In Rome,” as well as The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes.