The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: This Is All I Ask

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 10, 2025,is “This Is All I Ask.”

About This Song

“This Is All I Ask” was written by Gordon Jenkins in 1958. Jenkins was a prolific composer, arranger and conductor from the 1930s through the 1960s. He worked closely with artists including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Jenkins won a Grammy Award for Sinatra’s 1965 album September of My Years, which included a recording of “This Is All I Ask.” Jenkins is said to have considered this song his favorite of all the songs he wrote.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “This Is All I Ask” on April 26, 1963, for his album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted. the orchestra.

“This Is All I Ask,” as well as This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Young and Foolish

The song of the day for Friday, July 25, 2025, is “Young and Foolish.”

About This Song

“Young and Foolish” was written by Albert Hague and Arnold B. Horwitt for the 1955 musical Plain and Fancy, about 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

Tony Bennett recorded “Young and Foolish” on April 23, 1963, for his album This is All I Ask. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

“Young and Foolish,” as well as This is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: True Blue Lou

The song of the day for July 23, 2025, is “True Blue Lou.”

About This Song

“True Blue Lou” was written by Richard Whiting, with lyrics by Sam Coslow and Leo Robin, for the 1929 musical film The Dance of Life, an adaptation of the Broadway play Burlesque. The song was sung in the film by Hal Skelly, in the role of an out-of-work burlesque comedian. “True Blue Lou” was a standard song for Ethel Waters, who sang it throughout her career. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, Frank Sinatra also recorded it in the 1950s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “True Blue Lou” on April 24, 1963, for his album This Is All I Ask, which was released 62 years ago today on July 23, 1963. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted The Ralph Sharon Trio.

“True Blue Lou,” as well as This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Ethel Waters 1929 recording of “True Blue Lou.”

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Song of the Day: This Is All I Ask

The song of the day for Friday, August 23, 2024, is “This Is All I Ask.”

About This Song

“This Is All I Ask” was written in 1958 by Gordon Jenkins. Jenkins was a prolific composer, arranger and conductor from the 1930s through the 1960s. He worked closely with artists including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Jenkins won a Grammy Award for Sinatra’s 1965 album September of My Years, which included a recording of “This Is All I Ask.” Jenkins is said to have considered this song his favorite of all the songs he wrote.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “This Is All I Ask” on April 26, 1963, for his album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

“This Is All I Ask,” as well as the album This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: True Blue Lou

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, is “True Blue Lou.”

About This Song

“True Blue Lou” was written in 1929 by Richard Whiting, with lyrics by Sam Coslow and Leo Robin, for the 1929 file musical The Dance of Life. The song was sung in the film by Hal Skelly, in the role of an out-of-work burlesque comedian. “True Blue Lou” was a standard song for Ethel Waters, who sang it throughout her career. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, Frank Sinatra also recorded it in the 1950s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “True Blue Lou” sixty-one years ago today on April 24, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“True Blue Lou,” as well as This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.