The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: There’ll Be Some Changes Made

The song of the day for Saturday, October 29, 2022, is “There’ll Be Some Changes Made.”

About This Song

“There’ll Be Some Changes Made” was written in 1921, with music by Benton Overstreet and lyrics by Billy Higgins, two African-American vaudeville performers. Ethel Waters had a hit recording of this song in late 1921; other early recordings include those by Marion Harris, Josie Miles, Fats Waller, and the Chicago Rhythm Kings. Later recordings include those by Billy Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Tony Bennett. Even western singers have been drawn to the song by artists including Chet Atkins, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and Pee Wee Russell’s Rhythmakers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’ll Be Some Changes Made” in 1975 for his album Tony Bennett Sings Life Is Beautiful, released on his Improv label. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings Life Is Beautiful is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Sweet Georgie Fame

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 12, 2022, is “Sweet Georgie Fame.”

About This Song

“Sweet Georgie Fame” was written in 1966 by Blossom Dearie and Sandra Harris.

Dearie told The New York Times in 1981:

I was in London in 1966, when a bass player told me I should go hear the skiffle, rock, blues and jazz singer Georgie Fame, He said I’d like him, and I did – very much. Then I was visiting a friend, where Georgie Fame’s records were on, and her kids were dancing to them. I got a melody from that, and my friend’s sister, Sandra Black (Harris) wrote words to it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sweet Georgie Fame” on February 26, 1968, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Sweet Georgie Fame,” as well as Yesterday I Heard The Rain is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Home Is The Place

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 11, 2022, is “Home Is The Place.”

About This Song

“Home Is The Place” was written by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim in 1960. After their collaboration on the brilliant musical Gypsy, Styne expressed an interest in continuing their work together, resulting in two songs: “Home Is The Place” and “Come Over Here.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Home Is The Place” on April 16, 1968, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Home Is The Place,” as well as Yesterday I Heard The Rain is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Glory Of Love

The song of the day for Monday, October 10, 2022, is “The Glory Of Love.”

About This Song

Although written in 1938 by Billy Hill, “The Glory of Love” served as the theme song for the 1967 film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which starred Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy; it was Tracy’s last film–he died in October 1967. The song was first recorded in 1936 by Benny Goodman and that recording reached #1 on the charts. Count Basie, Jimmy Durante, and Peggy Lee have also recorded the song. Paul McCartney recorded it for his 2012 album of standards, Kisses On The Bottom.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with his friend Dominic Germano, recorded “The Glory Of Love” on January 15, 1968, featuring an arrangement by Torrie Zito. It was released in 1968 as a single.

“The Glory Of Love” is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Yesterday I Heard The Rain

The song of the day for Friday, October 7, 2022, is “Yesterday I Heard The Rain.”

About This Song

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain,” or “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, was written in 1968 by Armando Manzanero. Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. Born in 1935, Manzanero studied music in Mexico City and composed his first song at the age of fifteen. At the age of sixteen, he became a professional pianist. His songs, like “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” are beautiful and romantic songs. He is considered to be one of the most successful composers from Latin America.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” on February 26, 1968, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain,” as well as the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain is available on Apple Music.

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