The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Best Things To Be Is A Person

The song of the day for Saturday, January 9, 2020, is “The Best Thing To Be Is A Person.”

About This Song

“The Best Thing To Be Is A Person” was written in 1964 by Bob Haymes (brother of singer Dick Haymes), with lyrics by Alan Brandt.

I chose this song today because of these lyrics:

The Lord said, “You can be a big man,
And I can tell you where to start.
Just let the world around you
Know the love that’s in your heart.”

I thought it was a good message for this time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Best Thing To Be Is A Person” in 1964 for his album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Best Thing to Be Is a Person (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio)

Listen to The Best Thing to Be Is a Person (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon Trio · 1964

“The Best Thing To Be Is A Person,” as well as , is available from Apple Music.”The Best Thing To Be Is A Person.”

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Playlist of the Week: Tony Sings With the Ladies, Part 1

The playlist of the week of June 30, 2019, is Tony Sings With the Ladies, Part 1.

Tony Sings With the Ladies, Part 1

This week’s playlist features some of Tony’s duets with female singers.

“Lullaby of Broadway” with the Dixie Chicks, from Duets: An American Classic

“I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” with k.d. lang, from A Wonderful World

“Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse, from Duets II

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” with Diana Krall, from Love Is Here To Stay

“But Beautiful” with Lady Gaga, from Cheek to Cheek

“Stormy Weather” with Natalie Cole, from Playin’ With My Friends

“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” with Queen Latifah, from Duets II

“I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues” with Bonnie Raitt, from Playin’ With My Friends

“Anything Goes+ with Lady Gaga, from Cheek to Cheek

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Song of the Day: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 4, 2019, is “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.”

About This Song

This song by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler was one of the early swing rhythm songs in 1931. It was recorded in the first few years by Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. The Benny Goodman recording, with vocals by Helen Ward, is also well-regarded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” in 1964 for the album Who Can I Turn To. The arranger and conductor for the album is George Siravo.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio)

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio), a song by Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon Trio on Spotify

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: There’s A Lull In My Life

The song of the day for Monday, May 20, 2019, is “There’s A Lull In My Life.”

About This Song

“There’s a Lull In My Life” was written by Harry Revel and Mack Gordon for the 1937 film Wake Up and Live, where it was introduced by Alice Faye. The song is considered somewhat experimental for its time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’s A Lull In My Life” in 1964 for the album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement.

There’s a Lull In My Life

There’s a Lull In My Life, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“There’s A Lull In My Life,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 23, 2019, is “Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.”

About This Song

“Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams” was written in 1931, with music by Harry Barris and lyrics by Ted Koehler and Billy Moll. Bing Crosby made the first recording in 1931 with the Gus Arnheim Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams” in 1964 for the album Who Can I Turn To. The arrangement is by George Siravo.

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra)

Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra), a song by Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra on Spotify

“Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available from iTunes.

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