The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 10, 2023, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” on December 30, 1958, for his album with Count Basie and His Band: In Person!, which was released in 1959. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Originally, the album was meant to use recordings of Tony Bennett and Count Basie and His Band at club dates they did after their first album. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the recordings, so they rerecorded the songs in the studio.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 26, 2022, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, John La Touche, and Ted Fetter for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” on September 11, 1956, and released in 1957 on the album Tony. It was arranged by Ray Conniff.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Autumn In New York

The song of the day for the first day of autumn, September 22, 2021, is “Autumn In New York.”

About This Song

“Autumn In New York” was written by Vernon Duke for the 1934 Broadway musical Thumbs Up! The song has proved quite popular over the years, with recordings by Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, and many, many more.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Autumn In New York” in 1992. This recording is an outtake from Bennett’s 1992 album Perfectly Frank.

Autumn In New York

Tony Bennett · Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2 · Song · 2012

“Autumn In New York,” as well as the songs collected on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Thursday, June 24, 2021, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written in 1940 by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Taking a Chance on Love” on June 9, 1962, at his Carnegie Hall concert, recorded for the album Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall. Prior to the concert, Bennett had recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” twice: in 1956 the album Tony and again in 1958 with The Count Basie Orchestra for In Person!

Taking A Chance On Love (From "Cabin In The Sky") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love (From "Cabin In The Sky") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: April in Paris

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 20, 2021, is “April in Paris.”

About This Song

“April in Paris” was written in 1932 by Vernon Duke and Yip Harburg for the Broadway musical Walk A Little Faster. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder calls it “… a perfect theater song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “April in Paris” for his 1959 album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.

April in Paris

Listen to April in Paris on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1960

“April in Paris,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from Apple Music.