The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: On The Sunny Side Of The Street

The song of the day for Saturday, January 4, 2025, is “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.”

About This Song

“On The Sunny Side Of The Street” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1930 for Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” on January 27, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! The album was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Monday, November 25, 2024, is “A Beautiful Friendship.”

About This Song

“A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by Donald Kahn and Stanley Styne, 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! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted.

“A Beautiful Friendship,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: She’s Funny That Way

The song of the day for Monday, August 12, 2024, is “She’s Funny That Way.”

About This Song

“She’s Funny That Way” was written in 1928 by Neil Moret and Richard Whiting (father of Margaret Whiting). This charming song is sung from the point of view of the young lover who is kind of amazed that the woman he loves seems to love him, in spite of his faults.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Funny That Way” on January 18, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangment and conducted the orchestra.

“She’s Funny That Way,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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

The song of the day for Thursday, July 25, 2024, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written by 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” on January 12, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. Evans continued to work with Bennett for many years, ending with his arrangements for Bennett’s last album, Love For Sale, released in 2021.

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: On the Sunny Side of the Street

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

“On the Sunny Side of the Street” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1930 for Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “On the Sunny Side of the Street” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted too.

“On the Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.