The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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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Tony Live! Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Saturday, February 1, 2020, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Taking a Chance on Love” at his legendary concert at Carnegie Hall in 1962, captured on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Sing You Sinners

The song of the day for Sunday, January 25, 2020, is “Sing You Sinners.”

About This Song

“Sing You Sinners” was written by W. Franke Harling and Sam Coslow for the 1930 film Honey, starring Lillian Roth. The song was an early hit in 1950 for Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Sing You Sinners” at his concert at Carnegie Hall, released on the album Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“Sing You Sinners,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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