The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Spring Is Here

The song of the day for Friday, March 21, 2025, is “Spring Is Here.”

About This Song

“Spring Is Here” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1938 musical “I Married An Angel,” where it was introduced by Dennis King and Vivienne Segal. It’s one of Hart’s sadder lyrics, where the coming of Spring has no meaning, as his love is gone. But rather than a sad, depressing song, with the lovely melody by Rodgers, the song has sweet poignancy.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Spring Is Here” in July 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs. Accompanying Bennett is The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, featuring: Braff on trumpet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass.

“Spring Is Here,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Thou Swell

The song of the day for Sunday, February 2, 2025, is “Thou Swell.”

About This Song

“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1927 musical A Connecticut Yankee, based on the Mark Twain novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. “Thou Swell” is one of the more charming songs from the musical, as the lyrics feature a combination of modern and medieval language: “thine eyes are cute too” and “I’d feel so rich in a hut for two.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Thou Swell” in July 1973 with The Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet, featuring Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guifrida on bass. “Thou Swell” was released on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart in 1973 on Bennett’s Improv label.

“Thou Swell,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Five Dollars

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, is “I’ve Got Five Dollars.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got Five Dollars” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1931 musical America’s Sweetheart, where it was introduced by Ann Sothern (who was still using her given name of Harriette Lake) and Jack Whiting. Notable recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Five Dollars” in July 1973 with The George Barnes/Ruby Braff Quartet (Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, Braff on trumpet, and John Guiffrida on bass). It was released on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers and Hart in 1977.

“I’ve Got Five Dollars,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Mountain Greenery

The song of the day for Friday, October 28, 2022, is “Mountain Greenery.”

About This Song

“Mountain Greenery” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1926 for The Garrick Gaieties, where it was introduced by Sterling Holloway. . It had two recordings in 1926: one by Roger Wolfe Kahn and the other by Frank Crumit. In later years, this song was recorded by Bing Crosby, Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, John Pizzarelli.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Mountain Greenery” in July 1973 and was released in 1977 on Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart.

“Mountain Greenery,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers and Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: There’s A Small Hotel

The song of the day for Thursday, October 27, 2022, is “There’s A Small Hotel.”

About This Song

“There’s a Small Hotel” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1937. Originally written for the musical Jumbo, “There’s A Small Hotel” was used the next year in On Your Toes, where it was introduced by Ray Bolger and Doris Carson. The song has been recorded by artists including Chet Baker, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Della Reese, in addition to Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’s a Small Hotel” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977.

“There’s A Small Hotel,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.