The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 9, 2018 is “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart.”

About This Song

Duke Ellington wrote “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart” in 1938; the lyrics were done 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 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 as one of his eleven favorites of the songs he wrote. It’s a favorite of the Year of Tony Bennett as well.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by a special friend of the blog, Marion Evans, who still arranges for Tony.

I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart

Listen to I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart,” 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 Friday, April 27, 2018 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 and lyricist 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! The arrangement was done by Marion Evans. Both Mr. Bennett and Mr. Evans did exceptional work on this album–it’s definitely worth a listen.

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: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Sunday, April 8, 2018 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

Originally written as an instrumental in 1940, Duke Ellington named his song “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

I chose to indulge myself a bit today: a great song by Duke Ellington; a swinging arrangement by the wonderful Marion Evans; and the great Tony Bennett, singing like nobody’s business from 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! A trifecta of joy for the Year of Tony Bennett.

Don"t Get Around Much Anymore

Listen to Don"t Get Around Much Anymore on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” 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 Friday, January 26, 2018 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written 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! The impeccable arrangement was written by Marion Evans, who still writes arrangements for Tony Bennett.

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 Saturday, January 6, 2018 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. In America Popular Song, author Alec Wilder 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! The arrangement is Marion Evans, who is a good friend to this blog.

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

Tony Bennett also sang “Old Devil Moon” at his MTV Unplugged concert in 1994. I’m pleased to present a video of his performance.