The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Let’s Fall In Love

The song of the day for Thursday, August 11, 2022, is “Let’s Fall In Love.”

About This Song

“Let’s Fall In Love” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the film of the same name, released in 1933. At the time of the film’s release, Eddy Duchin had a popular recording of the song. Other significant recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Fall In Love” on August 15, 1960, for the album Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen. Glenn Rosser wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.

“Let’s Fall In Love” as well as Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 10, 2022, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the 1944 film of the same name, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. David Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for The Bad and the Beautiful, which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again); his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” on November 10, 1959, for the 1960 album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.

“Laura,” as well as To- My Wonderful One is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Poor Little Rich Girl

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 9, 2022, is “Poor Little Rich Girl.”

About This Song

“Poor Little Rich Girl” was written by Noël Coward for the 1925 revue On With the Dance. It is one of his most popular songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Poor Little Rich Girl” on January 5, 1959, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was released in 1959 on Basie Swings/Bennett Sings.

“Poor Little Rich Girl,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Party’s Over

The song of the day for Monday, August 8, 2022, is “The Party’s Over”

About This Song

“The Party’s Over” was written by Jule Styne, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden for the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing. The song was introduced by Judy Holliday, who won the Tony Award for her performance.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Party’s Over” on November 4, 1958, with an arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released in 1959 on the album Hometown, My Town.

“The Party’s Over” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Penthouse Serenade

The song of the day for Sunday. August 7, 2022, is “Penthouse Serenade.”

About This Song

“Penthouse Serenade” was written in 1931 by Will Jason and Val Burton. It’s one of the classic Depression-era songs with the yearning for the glamorous Manhattan apartment by the poor yet romantic couple. The first known use of “Penthouse Serenade” was for the 1933 animated short Betty Boop’s Penthouse, where it was sung by Mae Questel. On a more serious note, “Penthouse Serenade” has had exceptional recordings: Nat King Cole recorded it in 1952 as a piano solo for an album of the same name, and Tony Bennett’s recording for his 1959 album Hometown, My Town is really excellent, with a brilliant arrangement by Ralph Burns.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Penthouse Serenade” on November 6, 1958. and it was released in 1959 on the album Hometown, My Town. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Penthouse Serenade,” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

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