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 Saturday, February 4, 2017 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 has recorded “Old Devil Moon,” starting with his 1954 version for his first jazz album, Cloud 7. Today, however, we’re featuring his 1967 version from Tony Makes It Happen!, arranged by Marion Evans, our musical collaborator of the month. One of the things I love about Evans’ arrangements is that they always grab my attention from the very first notes — they make me want to listen. The violins at the beginning of this recording are a good example of this.

Old Devil Moon

Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Our Saturday video features Tony singing today’s song from his award-winning 1994 MTV Unplugged televised concert.

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 1, 2017 is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

“The Lady’s In Love With You” was written by Burton Lane (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics )for the 1939 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! The arrangement is by our collaborator of the month, Marion Evans. I adore the way this song starts out — big and bold — and the listener knows a great ride is in store. Relatively short at 1:43 minutes, every second is perfect. I can’t think of better song to start with to honor the work of this arranger.

The Lady"s In Love with You

Listen to The Lady"s In Love with You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“The Lady’s In Love With You,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Sunday, September 18, 2016 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” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by Marion Evans, a friend of The Year of Tony Bennett as well as fellow native of Alabama. He continues to arrange for Tony Bennett to this day, including his work on the recent album Cheek To Cheek.

Thanks to my good friend Nick who posted it on his Tony Bennett Facebook page The Amazing Tony Bennett, I read this really sweet article from People magazine:

Lady Gaga: Tony Bennett Is the One ‘I Call When I’m in Heartbreak’

@nicolesands901 09/16/2016 AT 06:30 PM EDT Lady Gaga won’t cry anymore, once she’s got Tony Bennett on the line. Mother Monster honored the singing legend during a special taping for his 90th birthday bash on Thursday night. Taking the stage at New York City’s historic Radio City Music Hall, she thanked Bennett for helping her through tough times.

I’d say she’s lucky to have a friend like Tony.

A Beautiful Friendship

Listen to A Beautiful Friendship on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“A Beautiful Friendship,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, 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, August 22, 2016 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

With music by Jimmy McHugh and lyrics by Frank Loesser, “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written 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! It features a terrific arrangement by Marion Evans.

Can"t Get Out Of This Mood

Listen to Can"t Get Out Of This Mood 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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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Monday, August 8, 2016 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg, 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 the album Tony Makes It Happen! This recording has a lot going for it: Bennett is in great voice, Marion Evans’ arrangement is perfect and the band sounds great. I was thinking about Yip Harburg a lot today and this is one of my favorite of his songs. Happy Monday, all!

Old Devil Moon

Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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