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 Thursday, March 17, 2016 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written Burton Lane, with lyrics from 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.” Far be from me to argue with Alec Wilder when it comes to American popular music.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “Old Devil Moon” several times. Today I chose his 1967 version from Tony Makes It Happen! The arrangement by Marion Evans is superb and Bennett is in wonderful voice. Listen in at 1:25 into the song as he holds the word ‘love’ for what seems like forever. The orchestra is really wonderful; I especially enjoy the cascade of violins at the opening.

One thing I love about Tony Bennett is how open he is about the joy he finds when he sings. You can hear him chuckle several times during this recording. He sounds great, he’s having a good time and he gives us that little laugh. You really can’t beat that.

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

The song of the day for Friday, March 4, 2016 is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

“The Lady’s In Love With You” was written for the 1939 film Some Like It Hot (not to be confused with the excellent 1959 Billy Wilder film), with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by Frank Loesser. 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

I woke up this morning thinking about Tony Makes It Happen! and all the wonderful recordings by Tony Bennett with the great arrangements by Marion Evans. Today’s song, “The Lady’s In Love With You,” is one my favorites due both Mr. Bennett and Mr. Evans. I have to jump up and move every time I hear this recording. I hope you like it as much as I do. It was recorded in 1967 and features John Bunch on piano as well a great band.

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: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

The song of the day for Thursday, January 21, 2016 is “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart,” was composed in 1938 by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo and John Redmond. This song was a major hit for Duke Ellington, reaching #1 on the charts. In addition to his own recording in 1938, 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 all his songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! The wonderful arrangement is by the wonderful Marion Evans.

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: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 2, 2015 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” was written in 1942 by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for 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 arrangement is from the very talented Marion Evans, who most recently worked with Mr. Bennett on Cheek To Cheek.

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: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 25, 2015 is “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart,” was written in 1938 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics from 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by Marion Evans, who continues to work with Tony Bennett up to today, including his recent work on Cheek To Cheek.

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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