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 Saturday, July 18, 2026, is “This Is All I Ask.”

About This Song

Gordon Jenkins wrote “This Is All I Ask” 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 and 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 This Is All I Ask, is available on Apple Music.

I found this video of Tony Bennett singing “This Is All I Ask” from 2000. It seems to have been shot by an audience member, so it’s not professional. But the audio is very good and the close-ups of him singing made me cry.

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Song of the Day: True Blue Lou

The song of the day for Friday, June 26, 2026, 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.

I was able to find this video of Hall Skelly singing “True Blue Lou” from the 1929 film The Dance of Life.

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Song of the Day: The Moment Of Truth

The song of the day for Thursday, March 26, 2026, is “The Moment Of Truth.”

About This Song

“The Moment Of Truth” was written in 1963 by Tex Satterwhite and Frank Scott. It has also been recorded by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Moment Of Truth” on April 24, 1963, for his album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the big band.

This recording was also released on the 1996 CD re-release of I Wanna Be Around.

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

I found a terrific video of Tony Bennett singing “The Moment Of Truth” on The Ed Sullivan Show on November 24, 1964. Instead of singing on the main stage, Bennett chose to record from wherever the band was instead. The result was fantastic.

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Song of the Day: This Is All I Ask

The song of the day for Friday, January 2, 2026, 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 the 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: 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.