The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, April 18, 2021, 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 This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Rules of the Road” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low, with the Ralph Sharon Trio, consisting of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

The Rules Of The Road

Listen to The Rules Of The Road on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964

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

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Song of the Day: Oh! You Crazy Moon

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 14, 2021, is “Oh! You Crazy Moon.”

About This Song

“Oh! You Crazy Moon” was written by Jimm Van Heusen and Johnny Burke in 1939. It was the first song that Van Heusen and Burke wrote together in what would be a long and successful partnership. The bouncy, uptempo song gained immediate popularity and was widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Oh! You Crazy Noom” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Oh! You Crazy Moon

Listen to Oh! You Crazy Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964

“Oh! You Crazy Moon,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Judy

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 28, 2020, is “Judy.”

About This Song

“Judy” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Lerner in 1929. Written in the early part of Carmichael’s career, “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” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and played by his trio. The trio consisted of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on bass.

Judy

Tony Bennett · When Lights Are Low · Song · 1964

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

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, October 16, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. 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 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. In addition to Sharon on piano, the trio consisted of Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

I have to confess that I love this song. According to my content management system, this is the 21st time I’ve featured this song in the life of the blog. I guess you could say that I do like it a lot.

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

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

The song of the day for Thursday, September 10, 2020, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got Just About Everything” was written by the great Bob Dorough. In addition to being a composer, he was a noted pianist and musical director, including his work with Blossom Dearie and Miles Davis. He is best known outside the jazz world for his work on Schoolhouse Rock.

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. Sharon shines on piano in this recording.

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

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