The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: What Good Does It Do

The song of the day for Thursday, April 30, 2026, is “What Good Does It Do.”

About This Song

“What Good Does It Do” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1957 Broadway musical Jamaica, which starred Lena Horne and Ricardo Montálban; the principal dancer was Alvin Ailey. Yarburg had been blacklisted during the McCarthy period and was unable to work in film or TV from 1951 to 1962. Fortunately, producer David Merrick and Broadway welcomed Yarburg. Jamaica was nominated for major Tony Awards, including Best Musical, all the acting nominations, and both scenic and costume design, though it lost to The Music Man.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “What Good Does It Do” live on June 9, 1962, at his legendary concert at Carnegie Hall. The album Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released in August 1962. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“What Good Does It Do,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Friday, March 27, 2026, is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, where it was introduced by Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, considers it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs. Notable recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. The initial release of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released in 1962 with roughly half of the songs omitted, including “I’ve Got the World on a String.” The remaining songs, including “I’ve Got the World on a String,” were included on the 1997 CD re-release.

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It Amazes Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is “It Amazes Me.”

About This Song

“It Amazes Me” was written in 1958 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. The song has been recorded by several artists, including Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett, Blossom Dearie, and John Pizzarelli.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version live on June 9, 1962. It was released on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall in August 1962. Ralph Sharon was the musical director and conductor for this album.

“It Amazes Me,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

Dear Mr. Bennett

Tony Bennett regularly sang “It Amazes Me” at his concerts.

The John Pizzarelli Trio (Pizzarelli on guitar and vocals, Michael Karn on bass, and Isaiah J. Thompson on piano) recorded “It Amazes Me” for Dear Mr. Bennett, released in March 2026.

Dear Mr. Bennett is available for purchase on CD and vinyl at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tower Records, and other record stores. It is also available on most popular streaming services.

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Song of the Day: Sometimes I’m Happy

The song of the day for Thursday, October 9, 2025, “Sometimes I’m Happy.”

About This Song

“Sometimes I’m Happy” was written by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar for the 1927 musical Hit The Deck. It found early favor as a popular song with numerous recordings in 1927. It has also proven a durable standard, with recordings by Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Betty Carter, Bing Crosby, and Billie Holiday, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sometimes I’m Happy” live at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. The album Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released in August 1962. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Sometimes I’m Happy,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall/em>, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So

The song of the day for Thursday, July 3, 2025, is “I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” was written by Duke Ellington and Mack David in 1945. This song has been widely recorded by artists including Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” live on June 294, 1962, at his Carnegie Hall concert. An abbreviated version of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released on two LPs in August 24, 1962; a more complete version was released on CD in 1997.

“I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

“I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” was first recorded by Duke Ellington and Al Hibbler on November 24, 1945.