The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Cheek to Cheek

he song of the day for Monday, May 11, 2026,”Cheek to Cheek.”

About Today

We have another birthday today: Irving Berlin. Israel Isidor Beilin was born in Tyumen, Russia, on May 11, 1988. His family emigrated to the US in 1893, settling in New York. The family name was changed to Berlin when they were naturalized.

You can read more about Irving Berlin at irvingberlin.com.

About This Song

“Cheek to Cheek” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and has remained popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Cheek to Cheek” in May 1987 for his tribute to Irving Berlin: Bennett/Berlin, featuring George Benson on guitar. Bennett wrote the arrangement.

“Cheek to Cheek,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Of course, here are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing “Cheek to Cheek” from Top Hat.

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day.”

About This Song

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day” was written by Irving Berlin for the Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoors gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” in May 1987 for the album Bennett/Berlin. Accompanying Bennett was the Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums).

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Here are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” from Top Hat.

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day.”

About This Song

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 for the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoor gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” in May 1987 for his tribute to Irving Berlin: Bennett/Berlin.

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the scene from Top Hat, with Astaire and Ginger Rogers:

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Song of the Day: Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

The song of the day for Thursday, September 5, 2024, is “Top Hat, Top Hat and Tails.”

About This Song

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The song was introduced by Mr. Astaire. The film is widely considered to be one of the best of the RKO Astaire and Rogers films; the American Film Institute ranked it 15th on its list of best musicals.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” in July 1993 for album Steppin’ Out, consisting of songs introduced by Fred Astaire. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Fred Astaire singing and dancing “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” from Top Hat.

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day?

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 20, 2024, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?.”

About This Song

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 for the Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoors gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, and Jeri Southern.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” in May 1987 for the album Bennett/Berlin. The arrangement was written by Tony Bennett.

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day?,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the number from Top Hat: