The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Thursday, January 28, 2021, is “All The Things You Are.”

About This Song

“All The Things You Are” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 musical Very Warm For May. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder considers it to be one of Kern’s finest songs and with good reason. It’s a beautiful tune and Hammerstein’s lyrics are excellent.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “All The Things You Are” in 1962 at his concert at Carnegie Hall, an abbreviated version of which was released on a 4-LP set as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall. The 1997 reissue on 2 CDs included the full concert. Ralph Sharon arranged and conducted the orchestra.

All The Things You Are (From “Very Warm For May”) – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962

Listen to All The Things You Are (From “Very Warm For May”) – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“All The Things You Are,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All The Things You Are

The song of the day for Friday, December 4, 2020, is “All the Things You Are.”

About This Song

“All The Things You Are” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 musical Very Warm For May. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder considers it to be one of Kern’s finest songs and with good reason. It’s a beautiful tune and Hammerstein’s lyrics are excellent.

About This Version

“All The Things You Are” was the third song Tony Bennett sang at his legendary 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall, released on a two-LP set that year: Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall. Even with 2 LPs, songs had to be cut. The 1997 two-CD release of the album contains all of the 44 (!) songs Mr. Bennett sang that night. Ralph Sharon was the musical director and pianist.

All The Things You Are (From “Very Warm For May”) – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962

Listen to All The Things You Are (From “Very Warm For May”) – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“All The Things You Are,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from Apple Music.

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Tony Live! A Sleepin’ Bee

The song of the day for Sunday, February 9, 2020, is “A Sleepin’ Bee.”

About This Song

“A Sleepin’ Bee” was written by Harold Arlen and Truman Capote for the 1954 musical House of Flowers, based on the Capote novella. Set in Haiti, the production featured a trio of steel drummers (more precisely known as pannists) from Trinidad.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “A Sleepin’ Bee” for his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. I really love the single piano accompaniment. The entire concert was recorded and released on “Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.”

“A Sleepin’ Bee,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! What Good Does It Do

The song of the day for Saturday, February 8, 2020, 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 him. 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 recorded “What Good Does It Do” for his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall, captured on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“What Good Does It Do,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Sunday, February 2, 2020, 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “I’ve Got the World on a String” at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. The concert was recorded and released as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

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

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