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 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.

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Song of the Day: The Moment of Truth

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, is “The Moment of Truth.”

About This Song

“The Moment of Truth” was written in 1963 by Tex Satterwhite and Frank Scott. Tony Bennett made the first recording of this song. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra.

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.

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

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Song of the Day: Tricks

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 7, 2022, is “Tricks.”

About This Song

“Tricks” was written by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes, who are best known for their 1952 song “That’s All.” Haymes’ older brother is the singer Dick Haymes.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Tricks” on April 26, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Tricks,” 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 Monday, September 5, 2022, 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 concerning 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 22, 1963, for the 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.