The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: On the Sunny Side of the Street

The song of the day for Friday, April 28, 2017 is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On The Sunny Side of the Street” was written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields. It was introduced in Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

Today I’m featuring Tony Bennett’s first recording of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” from his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen! The swell arrangement is by none other than Marion Evans.

On the Sunny Side of the Street

Listen to On the Sunny Side of the Street on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“On the Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Thursday, April 27, 2017 is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” written in 1938 by Sammy Fain (music) and Irving Kahal (lyrics), grew to its fame during World War II, when it became something of an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and the loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Willie Nelson. One of my favorite recordings is from Tony’s old friend Rosemary Clooney, who closed her 1991 album For The Duration with this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in 1992 for his album of songs associated with Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. Like Rosemary, Bennett also closed out this magnificent album with “I’ll Be Seeing You.” The song features a very fine arrangement by Ralph Sharon. This album is also significant in that Columbia recording engineer Frank Laico came out of retirement to serve as recording engineer for the album.


“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Anything Goes

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 26, 2017 is “Anything Goes.”

About This Song

In Anything Goes, Cole Porter and book writers Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse created one of the great musical comedy characters of all time: Reno Sweeney, played by Ethel Merman in the original 1934 production. The score contains many of Porter’s most popular songs, including “I Get a Kick Out You,” “You’re The Top,” and “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Anything Goes” in 1959 for the album Basie/Bennett. Today, however, we feature the Marion Evans arrangement for Mr. Bennett and Lady Gaga for their album Cheek To Cheek.

“Anything Goes,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 25, 2017 is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “The Folks That Live on the Hill,” was written in 1937 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II for the 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; it was 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” in 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist (one of this author’s favorite of Bennett’s albums).

The Folks That Live On The Hill

Listen to The Folks That Live On The Hill on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1990


“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Monday, April 24, 2017 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written for the 1942 wartime musical, Seven Day’s Leave , by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics). This torch song was introduced in the movie by Ginny Simms, with the Freddy Martin Orchestra.

About This Version

Today’s song, Can’t Get Out Of This Mood, was recorded in 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen!. It features a terrific arrangement by our favorite arranger, Marion Evans.

What Makes It Happen

Listen to What Makes It Happen on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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