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 Sunday, February 1, 2026, 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 recorded “Old Devil Moon” on January 18, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Old Devil Moon,” 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 Friday, January 9, 2026, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was composed by Jimmy McHugh, with lyrics by Frank Loesser 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 Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the band.

“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: Country Girl

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 26, 2025, is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written by the Canadian-born composer, conductor, arranger and trumpet player Robert Farnon. Farnon composed both light classical and popular music, as well as film and television scores. Robert Farnon worked with Tony Bennett on several albums, including the wonderful 1968 Snowfall.

The song was based on the William Wordsworth poem “The Solitary Reaper.” “Country Girl” was written in 1966 for the Eurovision Song Contest; it came in third. All I can say is that those other two songs must have been phenomenal, because “Country Girl” is one of the most beautiful and touching songs that I have ever heard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Country Girl” 59 years ago on November 26, 1966, for Tony Makes It Happen, released in 1967. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted.

“Country Girl,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: What Makes It Happen

The song of the day for Thursday, September 4, 2025, is “What Makes It Happen.”

About This Song

“What Makes It Happen” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1966 Broadway musical Walking Happy. Van Heusen and Cahn were nominated for the Tony award for Best Composer and Lyricist, but lost to John Kander and Fred Ebb for Cabaret.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What Makes It Happen” on November 26, 1966, for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“What Makes It Happen” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 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 recorded “Old Devil Moon” on January 18, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

“Old Devil Moon” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.