The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 11, 2022, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1964. In the year 2000, 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.

“When In Rome,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Some Other Time

The song of the day for Friday, Mary 6, 2022, is “Some Other Time.”

About This Song

“Some Other Time” was written by Leonard Bernstein, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden for the 1944 musical On The Town, the story of three sailors on leave in New York City and their romantic adventures. This song is sung at the end by two of the couples. Inexplicably, this beautiful song was cut from the 1949 film version.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Some Other Time” in 1975 for their first album The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“Some Other Time,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Days of Wine and Roses

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 20, 2022, is “Days of Wine and Roses.”

About This Song

“Days of Wine and Roses” was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for the 1962 film of the same name, starring Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. This movie is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of Remick and Lemmon to stop drinking are both uplifting and sorrowful. There are scenes in this film that I know I will never forget; it is a true masterpiece. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded this song in 1965 for The Movie Song Album. Today, however, I’m going with the 1975 recording with Bill Evans for The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

I don’t know about Mancini, but Johnny Mercer was an alcoholic and both Bennett and Evans had substance abuse issues in 1975. I’ve always found it interesting that out of so much pain came such a beautiful song and recording.

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

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Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 30, 2022, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1964. 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.

“When In Rome,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, is “But Beautiful.”

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written in 1947 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for Bing Crosby to sing in the movie The Road to Rio. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “But Beautiful” in 1975 for their first album, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“But Beautiful,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.

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