The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: What Makes It Happen

The song of the day for Thursday, September 4, 2025, is “What Makes It Happen.”

About This Song

“What Makes It Happen” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1966 Broadway musical Walking Happy. Van Heusen and Cahn were nominated for the Tony award for Best Composer and Lyricist, but lost to John Kander and Fred Ebb for Cabaret.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What Makes It Happen” on November 26, 1966, for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“What Makes It Happen” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Old Devil Moon” on January 18, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

“Old Devil Moon” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Thursday, May 29, 2025, is “A Beautiful Friendship.”

About This Song

“A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by the sons of two great American songwriters. The composer, Donald Kahn, was the son of lyricist Gus Kahn; the lyricist, Stanley Styne, was the son of composer Jule Styne. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, “A Beautiful Friendship” has been recorded by Duke Ellington, Nat Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Beautiful Friendship” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.

“A Beautiful Friendship” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Friday, May 16, 2025, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” on January 12, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Sunday, April 6, 2025, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written by Duke Ellington as an instrumental in 1940 and named “Never No Lament.” Bob Russell’s lyrics came in 1942, and the song’s title was changed to the current “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The somewhat sad lyric of the jilted lover who would just rather stay home bumps up against the very cheerful tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangements and conducted the album.

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as , is available on Apple Music.