The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Monday, April 24, 2017 is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written for the 1942 wartime musical, Seven Day’s Leave , by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics). This torch song was introduced in the movie by Ginny Simms, with the Freddy Martin Orchestra.

About This Version

Today’s song, Can’t Get Out Of This Mood, was recorded in 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen!. It features a terrific arrangement by our favorite arranger, Marion Evans.

What Makes It Happen

Listen to What Makes It Happen 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: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 16, 2017 is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

This song was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by our musical collaborator of the month, Marion Evans.

Out Of This World

Listen to Out Of This World on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Out Of This World,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

In addition to honoring arranged Marion Evans today, we wish to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of America’s greatest songwriter (well, that’s my opinion, anyway) Harold Arlen, who was born on February 15, 1905.

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Song of the Day: I Don’t Know Why

The song of the day for Friday, February 10, 2017 is “I Don’t Know Why.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “I Don’t Know Why,” was written in 1931 by Fred Ahlert and Roy Turk. This lovely song relates the lover who can’t begin to explain why he loves her, but love her he does indeed. The song was introduced by Russ Columbo and was made popular by the Wayne King Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Don’t Know Why” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the rest of the album, was arranged by our musical collaborator of the month, Marion Evans.

I Don"t Know Why (I Just Do)

Listen to I Don"t Know Why (I Just Do) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“I Don’t Know Why,” 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, 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.