The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Wished On The Moon

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 6, 2022, is “I Wished On The Moon.”

About This Song

“I Wished On The Moon” was written in 1935 by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker (yes, that Dorothy Parker). It was first recorded in 1935 by Ruth Etting. Bing Crosby sang it in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Art Pepper, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wished On The Moon” in 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. The picture of Holiday was painted by Bennett.

“I Wished On The Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording of “I Wished On The Moon.”

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Song of the Day: Willow Weep For Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 5, 2022, is “Willow Weep For Me.”

About This Song

“Willow Weep For Me” was written in 1932 by a Radcliffe student named Ann Ronell. She encountered some initial trouble in getting the song published, but once Irving Berlin decided to publish the song, it began to take off. The first recording was made by Ted Fio Rito, with vocals by Muzzy Marcellino. The song became a jazz standard and has been recorded by many fine jazz artists, including Art Tatum, Dinah Washington, Stan Kenton, Thelonius Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Willow Weep For Me” in 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Willow Weep For Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s original recording:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Monday, April 4, 2022, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Week

The great Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, PA. We’ll be celebrating her music all week.

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher, with lyrics by Allan Roberts. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1996 for his album dedicated to the singer Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Holiday’s 1945 recording.

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 8, 2022, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1945 recording of today’s song.

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Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Monday, March 7, 2022, is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy She Calls Me” (originally “Crazy He Calls Me”) was written in 1949 by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell. In addition to Billie Holiday’s recording of this song, it has also been recorded by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy She Calls Me” for his 1997 tribute to Billy Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billy Holiday’s recording from her album Lover Man.

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