The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Friday, September 17, 2021, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About Today

Ralph Sharon, Tony Bennett’s long-time pianist and musical director, was born on September 17, 1923, in London, England. We’re honoring him with today’s song that really shows what a fine pianist Sharon was.

About This Song

“I’ve Got Just About Everything” was written by Bob Dorough. The song is a joy to listen to. In his liner notes for Forty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennet says that “this one explains how a singer feels when he sings a song everyone likes.”

About This Version

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

I"ve Got Just About Everything

Listen to I"ve Got Just About Everything on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

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

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Friday, August 20, 2021, is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was written in 1924 by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn. It’s a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards, and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “It Had To Be You” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio, for the album When Lights Are Low.

It Had To Be You

Listen to It Had To Be You on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

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

I have a very special video of Tony singing “It Had To Be You” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1965. The recording is breathtaking.

Tony Bennett "It Had To Be You" on The Ed Sullivan Show

Tony Bennett "It Had To Be You" on The Ed Sullivan Show, June 27, 1965. Subscribe now to never miss an update: https://ume.lnk.to/EdSullivanSubscribe Watch M...

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Song of the Day: It Could Happen To You

The song of the day for Monday, August 16, 2021, is “It Could Happen To You.”

About This Song

“It Could Happen To You” was written in 1944 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 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 first recorded “It Could Happen To You” in 1958 for the album Long Ago And Far Away. Instead, I chose his 1964 version for When Lights Are Low, with The Ralph Sharon Trio.

It Could Happen To You

Listen to It Could Happen To You on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

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

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Monday, August 9, 2021, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for When Lights Are Low. This version is quite different from his 1961 recording: it’s quiet and introspective. But as regular readers know, I really love this song, which I’ve featured 25 times on this blog, which I believe makes it the most-featured song. All I can say is thank you for indulging me.

Speak Low

Listen to Speak Low on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

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

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

The song of the day for Friday, July 16, 2021, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

Written by the marvelous jazz pianist and composer Bob Dorough, “I’ve Got Just About Everything” is a true joy to listen to. In his liner notes for Forty/Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennett says that “this one explains how a singer feels when he sings a song everyone likes.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” with The Ralph Sharon Trio in 1964 for When Lights Are Low. This has a great arrangement by Ralph Sharon plus excellent work by Sharon, Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

I"ve Got Just About Everything

Listen to I"ve Got Just About Everything on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

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

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