The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: April in Paris

The song of the day for Monday, April 1, 2019, is “April in Paris.”

About This Song

“April in Paris” was written in 1932 by Vernon Duke and Yip Harburg. It was written for the 1932 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 1960 album To My Wonderful One. Frank DeVol arranged and conducted the album.

April in Paris – Remastered

April in Paris – Remastered, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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

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Song of the Day: Autumn in New York

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 7, 2017 is “Autumn in New York.”

About This Song

Vernon Duke wrote “Autumn In New York” 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 the album Perfectly Frank and was released on Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Vol. 2, originally as part of the Complete Collection box set.

Autumn In New York

Listen to Autumn In New York on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.


“Autumn in New York,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Autumn in New York

The song of the day for Sunday, October 8, 2017 is “Autumn in New York.”

About This Song

Vernon Duke wrote “Autumn In New York” 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

Today’s song is an outtake for Bennett’s 1992 album Perfectly Frank. No matter–it’s a nice song and a very nice recording. And it is, after all, autumn.

Autumn In New York

Listen to Autumn In New York on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.


“Autumn in New York,” as well as all of the songs on Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 8, 2017 is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was composed by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter, in 1940 for the 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 had already recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” in 1956 for his album Tony before he and Count Basie decided to record it in 1958 for In Person! Ralph Sharon did the arrangement.

Taking A Chance On Love

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1959.


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

As a special treat, here is the wonderful Ethel Waters singing this song with Eddie Anderson from the film version of Cabin in the Sky. The featured dancer is none other than Bill Bailey. Enjoy!

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Song of the Day: Autumn In New York

The song of the day for Monday, November 14, 2016 is “Autumn In New York.”

About This Song

Vernon Duke wrote “Autumn In New York” 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; the song was an outtake from the album Perfectly Frank. It features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

Autumn In New York

Listen to Autumn In New York on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.


“Autumn In New York,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes, and Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available from iTunes.

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