The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Crazy Rhythm

The song of the day for Sunday, July 13, 2025, is “Crazy Rhythm.”

About This Song

“Crazy Rhythm” was written in 1928 by Joseph Meyer and Roger Wolfe Kahn, with lyrics by Irving Caesar, for the 1929 musical Here’s Howe. It’s been a popular standard since it was written and has been heavily recorded, not just by jazz and popular artists, but other genres including hillbilly. Significant recordings include those by Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Stan Getz, Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, and Whispering Jack Smith.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy Rhythm” on June 27, 1957, for The Beat of My Heart. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. Chico Hamilton was the guest drummer for this recording.

“Crazy Rhythm,” as well as The Beat Of My Heart, is available on Apple Music.

Here is the first recording of “Crazy Rhythm” by Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra from 1929. The vocalist is Franklyn Baur.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Saturday, July 12, 2025, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett honors Oscar Hammerstein on the anniversary of his birth 130 years ago on July 12, 1985. In addition his work as a lyricist for Jerome Kern (with whom he wrote today’s song) and Richard Rodgers, he was also a theatre director and producer. He was was a mentor to the teen-age Stephen Sondheim.

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it 1957 for her album The Man I Love, conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” on May 18, 1989, for <em>Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as , is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: How Long Has This Been Going On?

The song of the day for Friday, July 11, 2025, is “How Long Has This Been Going On.”

About This Song

“How Long Has This Been Going On?” was written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1928 musical Funny Face (originally titled Smarty). However, it was cut from the production and replaced with “He Loves and She Loves.” The song was used the following year for Rosalie, reportedly because producer Florenz Zeigfeld was quite fond of the number.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “How Long Has This Been Going On?” in February 28, 1960, for Alone Together, which was released 65 years ago on July 11, 1960. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“How Long Has This Been Going On?,” as well as Alone Together, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me

The song of the day for Thursday, July 19, 2025, is “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me.”

About This Song

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” was written by Rube Bloom and Ted Koehler in 1938 for the World’s Fair edition of the Cotton Club show. Significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald with Joe Williams and Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” in June 1992 for Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Fall In Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, is “Let’s Fall In Love.”

About This Song

“Let’s Fall In Love” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1933 film Let’s Fall In Love, starring Ann Sothern. Significant recordings include Eddy Duchin, Eddie Fisher, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Fall In Love” on August 15, 1960, for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, released in 1961. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra. Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen was Bennett’s first album dedicated to composer.

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