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

The song of the day for Saturday, October 24, 2015 is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

There’s nothing not to love about today’s song. Written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, “On the Sunny Side of the Street” was introduced in 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

There’s nothing not to love about today’s version of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” as well. Bennett recorded today’s version in 1967 for one of his great swinging albums: Tony Makes It Happen! Arranged by our friend and wonderful arranger Marion Evans, today’s song is a joy to listen to. Just the first couple of measures and I’m there for the ride. I think you’ll be too.

On the Sunny Side of the Street

Listen to On the Sunny Side of the Street on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“On the Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

I haven’t forgotten that today is Saturday and I have a special video for you today. It’s Tony Bennett and Willie Nelson singing today’s song from Duets II. This version is also arranged by Marion Evans.

Happy Saturday, everyone! Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street!

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Song of the Day: Country Girl

The song of the day for Friday, September 25, 2015 is “Country Girl.”

About This Song

“Country Girl” was written by the Canadian-born composer, conductor, arranger and trumpet player Robert Farnon in 1966. Farnon composed both light classical and popular music, as well as film and television scores. He worked with Tony Bennett on several albums, including the wonderful 1968 Snowfall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Country Girl” on November 26, 1966 for his album Tony Makes It Happen!. This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by the wonderful Marion Evans. This was, to the best of my knowledge, the first time that Bennett and Evans worked together. They continue to work together today, most recently on Cheek To Cheek.

Country Girl

Listen to Country Girl on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Country Girl,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.