The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Judy

The song of the day for Saturday, November 22, 2025, is “Judy.”

About Today

We are celebrating Hoagy Carmichael, who was born 126 years ago on November 22, 1899. You can read more about him at hoagy.com.

About This Song

“Judy” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Lerner. “Judy” is love song that some thought was a little too worldly-wise; in fact even though written in 1929, it wasn’t published until 1934. Early recordings came from the Dorsey Brothers, Lionel Hampton and Bob Chester. Other recordings include those by Louis Prima, Frankie Laine and, of course, Tony Bennett. It is said to have been a favorite song of the young performer Frances Gumm, who changed her name to Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Judy” on March 27, 1964, for the album When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and, of course, played piano, with Hal Gaylord (bass) and Billy Exiner (drums).

“Judy,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’ve Got Just About Everything

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About Today

We are honoring the late Ralph Sharon, Tony Bennett’s pianist and musical director from 1957 to 1965 and again from 1986 to 2001. Sharon was born in London on September 17, 1924. After he retired in 2001 to Boulder, Colorado, he continued playing local gigs, including teas at the St. Julien Hotel. He died on March 31, 2015 at the age of 91.

Ralph Sharon links:

About This Song

“I’ve Got Just About Everything” was written by Bob Dorough in the early 1960s. Dorough is well-known for his work on the TV series Schoolhouse Rock!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” on March 17, 1964, with The Ralph Sharon Trio for his 1964 album When Lights Are Low. The trio featured Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: It Could Happen To You

The song of the day for Saturday, June 7, 2025, is “It Could Happen To You.”

About This Song

“It Could Happen To You” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 1944 movie And The Angels Sing, starring Dorothy Lamour. It was first recorded by Jo Stafford. Other recordings include those by Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Could Happen To You” on March 26, 1964, for When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“It Could Happen To You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: When Lights Are Low

The song of the day for Sunday, April 20, 2025, is “When Lights Are Low.”

About This Song

“When Lights Are Low” was written in 1936 by Benny Carter and Spencer Williams, while both were living and working in Europe. Carter was the staff arranger for the BBC during that time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When Lights Are Low” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low, which was released 61 years ago today on April 20, 1964. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and led the trio that accompanied Bennett for this album: Sharon (piano), Hal Gaylord (bass), and Billy Exiner (drums).

“When Lights Are Low,” as well as the album When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, is “Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About These Versions

It’s no secret that “Rules of the Road” is one of my favorite songs sung by Tony Bennett. He made two studio recordings of the song, and after some consideration, I decided to include both recordings. They are quite different and both are excellent in their own way.

He first recorded the song on April 6, 1961; it was released as a single and later added to his 1962 album I Left My Heart In San Francisco. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

He recorded it again on March 26, 1964, with The Ralph Sharon Trio, for When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

“Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.