The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Sunday, May 22, 2016 is “Isn’t This A Lovely Day.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote this delightful song 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 this very nice version of “Isn’t This A Lovely Day” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. Mr. Bennett arranged the vocals for the song and does a wonderful thing in capturing the feel of the rain as well as the Fred Astaire dancing.

Isn"t This a Lovely Day

Listen to Isn"t This a Lovely Day on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1987.


“Isn’t This A Lovely Day,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

And here’s the video of the number. Because it’s Fred Astaire, that’s why. And for once, Ginger Rogers didn’t have to dance in high heels.

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Song of the Day: Cheek To Cheek

The song of the day for Saturday, April 7, 2016 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 first recorded Cheek To Cheek in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. This recording features George Benson on guitar.

Cheek to Cheek

Listen to Cheek to Cheek on Spotify. Tony Bennett, George Benson · Song · 1987.


“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Once again it’s video Saturday. Here’s a more recent version of today’s song, featuring Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga from their PBS special.

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

The song of the day for 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 and Jeri Southern.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This A Lovely Day?” in 1987 for his album of Irving Berlin songs, Bennett/Berlin, released in 1987.

Isn"t This a Lovely Day

Listen to Isn"t This a Lovely Day on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1987.


“Isn’t This A Lovely Day?,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Irving Berlin Medley

The song(s) of the day for Tuesday, May 26, 205 is the medley of “You’re Easy To Dance With,” “Change Partners” and “Cheek To Cheek.”

About These Songs

All of the songs in this medley were written by Irving Berlin and were introduced in movies starring Fred Astaire.

“You’re Easy To Dance With” was written for the 1942 movie Holiday Inn.

“Cheek To Cheek” was written for the 1935 movie Top Hat.

“Change Partners” was written for the 1938 movie Carefree.

About This Version

Tony Bennett seems to be having a great time singing this medley. The arrangement has a nice dance beat and is sweet and light on its toes.

https://open.spotify.com/track/4bCE60ivxnPuGzZptLyq5M
This medley, as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

And of course, we have videos!

First, “Change Partners” from Carefree:

And, “Cheek To Cheek” from Top Hat:

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

The song of the day for Monday, May 4, 2015 is “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote this song 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

This is the third song on the album of the month, Steppin’ Out. I love the arrangement that Bennett and Sharon did; it makes me want to jump and dance, which is exactly what this song should do.

Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

Listen to Top Hat, White Tie and Tails on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1993.

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

And here is Mr. Astaire from Top Hat. The choreography is by Astaire and Hermes Pan.

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