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

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, is “Cheek to Cheek.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Cheek To Cheek” 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 and Lady Gaga recorded “Cheek to Cheek” in 2014 for their album Cheek To Cheek. It was arranged by the great Marion Evans.

“Cheek to Cheek,” as well as the album Cheek To Cheek, is available on Apple Music.

And here’s Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers from Top Hat:

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 18, 2023, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day.”

About This Song

This delightful song was written by Irving Berlin in 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 album Bennett/Berlin.

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

We have the video of this song from Top Hat, with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers:

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

The song of the day for Monday, December 26, 2022, is “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” 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 his album Steppin’ Out. 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 the clip from Top Hat with Fred Astaire

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

The song of the day for Thursday, November 24, 2022, 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 Roger 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 and was released that year on Bennett/Berlin. This song was arranged by Tony Bennett.

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

As a special treat today, here are Fred and Ginger, from Top Hat:

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

The song of the day for Sunday, October 24, 2021, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day.”

About This Song

“Isn’t This a Lovely Day” was written by Irving Berlin or 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 1987 for the album Bennett/Berlin. Bennett was accompanied by the Ralph Sharon Trio and Sharon has a nice turn in this recording.

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

Here’s that scene from Top Hat. Enjoy!

Top Hat: Isn"t This a Lovely Day (To Be Caught in the Rain)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

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