The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Lucky To Be Me

The song of the day for Friday, November 13, 2026, is “Lucky To Be Me.”

About This Song

“Lucky To Be Me” was written by Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green for the 1944 musical On The Town. The song is sung by the character Gabey when he is overjoyed to have fallen in love with “Miss Turnstiles.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Lucky To Be Me” in September 1976 for their second album Tony Bennett & Bill Evans Together Again, released in 1977.

“Lucky To Be Me,” as well as Tony Bennett & Bill EvansTogether Again, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)

The song of the day for Thursday, November 12, 2026, is “I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You).”

About This Song

“I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” was written in 1930 by Doc Daugherty and Ellis Reynolds, with lyrics by A.J. Neiburg. The tune was known first in 1929 as “Lookin’ For Another Sweetie” with other lyrics by other writers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” in March 2002 for A Wonderful World. Lee Musiker was the Musical Director and wrote the arrangement. Rob Mathes wrote the vocal arrangements.

“I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You),” as well as A Wonderful World, is available on Apple Music.

We have Louis Armstrong‘s 1930 recording of “‘I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” with the Sebastian New Cotton Club Orchestra in Los Angeles. This recording features a young Lionel Hampton on drums and Lawrence Brown on trombone. It was released on OKeh 41448.

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Song of the Day: Let The Good Times Roll

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, is “Let The Good Times Roll.”

About This Song

“Let The Good Times Roll” was written in 1946 by Sam Theard and Fleecie Moore. Louis Jordan, who was married to Fleecie Moore, made the first recording with his Tympany Five group, which was released in December 1946. It spent six months on the R&B Billboard chart. In 2009, “Let The Good times Roll” received a Hall of Fame award; in 2013, the Blues Foundation added to its Hall of Fame.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and B.B. King recorded “Let The Good Times Roll” on May 18, 2001, for the album Playin’ with My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues. Rob Mathes wrote the vocal arrangement.

“Let The Good Times Roll,” as well as Let The Good Times Roll, is available on Apple Music.

We have the 1938 recording of “Let The Good Times Roll” by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five.

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Song of the Day: Jeepers Creepers

The song of the day for Monday, November 9, 2026, is “Jeepers Creepers.”

About This Song

“Jeepers Creepers” was written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer for the 1938 movie Going Places, which featured Louis Armstrong as a trumpet-playing horse trainer. It has been recorded by Bing Crosby and, of course, Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Jeepers Creepers” on January 5, 1959, for Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Jeepers Creepers,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, is available on Apple Music.

We have that 1939 recording of “Jeepers Creepers” by Louis Armstrong.

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Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Saturday, November 7, 2026, is “In a Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In a Sentimental Mood” was written in 1935 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz. Ellington is said to have composed the tune while playing piano at a party. The song is popular for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Notable recordings include those by McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, and Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. This album was released in Ellington’s birth centennial year, 1899. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance at the 42nd Grammy Awards.

“In a Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

In 1963, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane released their album Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, with the addition of bassist and a drummer. Their recording of “In a Sentimental Mood” is outstanding.