The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Monday, May 2, 2022, 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 this version of “Old Devil Moon” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the rest of the album, 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: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra and big band.

“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 Saturday, January 29, 2022, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written in 1966 by Robert Farnon, the Canadian-born 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” in 1966 for his album Tony Makes It Happen!, released in 1967. This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

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

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

The song of the day for Saturday, January 22, 2022, is “On The Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On The Sunny Side of the Street” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1930 for 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

Tony Bennett recorded “On The Sunny Side of the Street” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangements conducted the orchestra for this album.

“On The Sunny Side of the Street,” 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, January 11, 2022, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written in 1947 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans, who worked with Bennett as recently as the album Love For Sale, released in 2021.

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

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