The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 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 his album Tony Makes It Happen! The entire album was arranged by the great Marion Evans, who also 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: Country Girl

The song of the day for Monday, June 26, 2023, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written by Robert Farnon in 1966. Farnon was born in Canada and was a composer, conductor, arranger, and trumpet player. He composed both light classical and popular music, as well as film and television scores. Robert Farnon worked with Tony Bennett on several albums, including the wonderful 1968 Snowfall.

About This Version

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

“Country Girl,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 21. 2023, is “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart.”

About This Song

“I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” was written by Duke Ellington in 1938, with lyrics by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo, and John Redmond. It t” was a major hit for Duke Ellington, reaching #1 on the charts. In addition to his own recording that year, other recordings by Benny Goodman and Mildred Bailey were made that year and were extremely popular as well. In 1952 Ellington named this song one of his eleven favorites.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” on January 27, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans conducted the orchestra and wrote the arrangements.

“I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

We’ve also got Ellington’s 1938 recording today.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Friday, May 12, 2023, 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 the album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“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, April 20, 2023, 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 and 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 and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

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

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

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