Truman Capote Archives | Page 3 of 6 | The Year of Tony Bennett

September 23, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Thursday, September 24, 2020, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.”

About This Song

“Don’t Like Goodbyes” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like Goodbyes” has been recorded by Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Like Goodbyes” for his 2004 album The Art of Romance. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available from Apple Music.

June 14, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: House of Flowers

The song of the day for Monday, June 15, 2020, is “House Of Flowers.”

About This Song

“House Of Flowers” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical of the same name, based on a Truman Capote short story. Set in Haiti, the cast included Pearl Bailey, Diahann Carroll, Ray Walston, Geoffrey Holder, and Alvin Ailey. The score featured a steel-drum trio from Trinidad.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “House Of Flowers” for his 1961 album em>Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen; the album was arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser. It was the first Bennett album to pay tribute to a composer.

“House Of Flowers,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from Apple Music.

May 27, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: A Sleepin’ Bee

The song of the day for Thursday, May 28, 2020, is “A Sleepin’ Bee.”

About This Song

“A Sleepin’ Bee” was written by Harold Arlen and Truman Capote for the 1954 musical House of Flowers, based on the Truman Capote novella. Set in Haiti, the production featured a trio of steel drummers (more precisely known as pannists) from Trinidad.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded “A Sleepin’ Bee” in 1959 for their album Tony Sings For Two. Bennett and Sharon booked some time at the CBS 30th Street Studio. Sharon came with a briefcase of sheet music and in a single session on October 28, 1959, they recorded sixteen songs, twelve of which were released on that album in 1961.

“A Sleepin’ Bee,” as well as Tong Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

February 8, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Live! A Sleepin’ Bee

The song of the day for Sunday, February 9, 2020, is “A Sleepin’ Bee.”

About This Song

“A Sleepin’ Bee” was written by Harold Arlen and Truman Capote for the 1954 musical House of Flowers, based on the Capote novella. Set in Haiti, the production featured a trio of steel drummers (more precisely known as pannists) from Trinidad.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “A Sleepin’ Bee” for his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. I really love the single piano accompaniment. The entire concert was recorded and released on “Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.”