The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Steppin’ Out With My Baby

The Song of the Day for October 6, 2012 is Steppin’ Out With My Baby

About Steppin’ Out With My Baby

Written by Irving Berlin, Steppin’ Out With My Baby was introduced in the 1949 film Easter Parade, sung by Fred Astaire.

About This Version

We highlight this song in preparation for Mr. Bennett’s upcoming Viva Duets, which will include a duet of this song with Christina Aguilera.

This version is from Tony Bennett’s tribute album to Fred Astaire, Steppin’ Out, from 1993, as compiled on The Essential Tony Bennett album. He also sang it at his 1994 MTV Unplugged live television show.

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Song of the Day: The Way You Look Tonight

The Song of the Day for October 4, 2012 is The Way You Look Tonight.

About The Way You Look Tonight

The Way You Look Tonight was written for the film Swing Time and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936.  The song was written by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Ms Fields has been quoted as saying “The first time Jerry played that melody for me I went out and started to cry. The release absolutely killed me. I couldn’t stop, it was so beautiful.” I do think it is one of the most beautiful songs in the American Songbook.

About This Version

We highlight this song in preparation for Mr. Bennett’s upcoming Viva Duets, which will include a duet of this song with Thaliá.

Today’s version was recorded with the Ralph Sharon Trio; however, the original  recording date is unknown. This recording was used in the film My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997).  This same version was included on the Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Volume 2, in the recent Complete Collection. It was also compiled on Tony Bennett Sings the Ultimate American Songbook, Volume 1.

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Song of the Day: Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

The Song of the Day for October 2, 2012 is Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

About Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

This song was written for George White’s Scandals of 1939, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Jack Yellen.

About This Version

We feature Are You Havin’ Any Fun? as we prepare for Viva Duets, which contains a duet of this song with Dani Martín. Today’s version is from the recently remastered album with Count Basie: Strike Up the Band!, from the 1959 Basie/Bennett album. Mr. Bennett also sang the song as duet with Elvis Costello on the original 2006 Duets: An American Classic.

 

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Song of the Day: The Best Is Yet To Come

The Song of the Day for September 30, 2012 is The Best Is Yet To Come.

About The Best Is Yet To Come

The Best is Yet To Come was written in 1929 by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh.  The song was written for Tony Bennett, though it has been recorded by many artists, including Frank Sinatra; the phrase “The Best is Yet To Come” is engraved on Sinatra’s tombstone. Other significant recordings include those by Count Basie, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

We select this song in preparation for the upcoming Viva Duets. Mr. Bennett and Chayanne will be singing this song on the album. Mr. Bennett first recorded the song in 1960, with Mr. Coleman conducting, and was released as a single in February, 1961; the same recording was included on the 1962 I Left My Heart in San Francisco album. He sang it at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert as well. He and Diane Krall sang it for the original Duets: An American Classic album in 2006 and now again with Chayanne for Viva Duets. He also sings it regularly (though not always) in his live performances.

It’s a great song; Tony Bennett sings many songs written by Cy Coleman, and they are all excellent. Today’s version is from the 1962 Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

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