The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Angel Eyes

The song of the day for Friday, October 30, 2020, is “Angel Eyes.”

About This Song

“Angel Eyes” was written in 1946 by Matt Dennis and Earl Brent. It was used in the 1953 film Jennifer. It’s a popular jazz song that has had numerous fine recordings, including those by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, and Duke Ellington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Angel Eyes” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and features some very fine bass from Paul Langosch. Perfectly Frank won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

Angel Eyes

Listen to Angel Eyes on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992

“Angel Eyes,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Penthouse Serenade

The song of the day for Thursday, October 29, 2020, is “Penthouse Serenade.”

About This Song

“Penthouse Serenade” was written by Will Jason and Val Burton in 1931. 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Penthouse Serenade” in 1959 for his album Hometown, My Town. The very fine arrangement was written by Ralph Burns.

Penthouse Serenade

Listen to Penthouse Serenade on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1959

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

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Song of the Day: Judy

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 28, 2020, is “Judy.”

About This Song

“Judy” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Lerner in 1929. Written in the early part of Carmichael’s career, “Judy” is love song that some thought was a little too worldly-wise; in fact, even though written in 1929, it wasn’t published until 1934. Early recordings came from the Dorsey Brothers, Lionel Hampton, and Bob Chester. Other recordings include those by Louis Prima, Frankie Laine, and, of course, Tony Bennett. It is said to have been a favorite song of the young performer Frances Gumm, who changed her name to Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Judy” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and played by his trio. The trio consisted of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on bass.

Judy

Tony Bennett · When Lights Are Low · Song · 1964

“Judy,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 27, 2020, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” (“Corcovado” in the original Portuguese) was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim, with English lyrics by Gene Lees. The song has a serene, quiet feeling–the English title fits the mood of the song perfectly. Both Stan Getz and Miles Davis recorded jazz versions of “Quiet Nights.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” in 1962 for the album I Wanna Be Around. The arrangement is by Marty Manning.

Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)

Listen to Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1963

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought Of You

The song of the day for Monday, October 26, 2020, is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written in 1934 by Ray Noble. This ballad by the British composer and bandleader Ray Noble has been popular since it was written in 1934. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it that same year. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Very Thought Of You” in 1965. It was arranged by John Keating and featured Bobby Hackett on cornet. It was released the following year on A Time For Love.

The Very Thought Of You

Listen to The Very Thought Of You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966

“The Very Thought Of You,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from Apple Music.