The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 5, 2022, is “A Beautiful Friendship.”

About This Song

“A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by the songs 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 the album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by Marion Evans.

“A Beautiful Friendship,” 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 Tuesday, October 4, 2022, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington as an instrumental with the title “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 very fine arrangement.

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” 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 My Heart

The song of the day for Sunday, October 2, 2022, is “I Let a Song Go Out My Heart.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let a Song Go Out My Heart” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: The Lady’s In Love With You

The song of the day for Friday, September 30, 2022, is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

“The Lady’s In Love With You” was written in 1939, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by Frank Loesser, for the film Some Like It Hot (not to be confused with the excellent 1959 Billy Wilder film), where it was introduced by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. It’s been widely recorded, including those by Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Margaret Whiting, and Michael Feinstein.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Lady’s In Love With You” on January 12, 1967, featuring a terrific arrangement by Marion Evans. It was released on the 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!.

“The Lady’s In Love With You,” 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 Thursday, September 29, 2022, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written in 1966 by Robert Farnon and was based on the Wordsworth poem The Solitary Reaper for the Eurovision Song Contest; it came in third. All I can say is that those other two songs must have been phenomenal because “Country Girl” is one of the most beautiful and touching songs that I have ever heard.

When Farnon died in 2007, Tony Bennett sang “Country Girl” at his memorial service.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Country Girl” on November 26, 1966, with an arrangement by Marion Evans. The song was released on Bennett’s 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!

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

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