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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

November 15, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: While We’re Young

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 16, 2022, is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

“While We’re Young” was written by Alec Wilder and Morty Palitz, with lyrics by William Engvick, in 1944. It was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee ‘The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!’ “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

In May 1977, Tony Bennett, with his trio, and Marian McPartland and her band (including Jimmy McPartland on cornet) played at the Statler Hilton in Buffalo, NY. In addition to singing, Bennett acted as emcee. The gig was released on Tony Bennett, The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music. It’s a nice mix of vocals and the instrumentals with Marian McPartland are really a joy.

“While We’re Young,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Alec Wilder, Marian McPartland, Morty Palitz, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music, William Engvick

May 26, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Stay Where You Are

The song of the day for Friday, May 27, 2022, is “Stay Where You Are.”

About This Song

“Stay Where You Are” was written in 1952 by David E. Coleman and William Engvick. Lyricist William Engvick collaborated frequently with composer Alec Wilder, writing lyrics for “While We’re Young” and “A Time For Love,” among others. David Coleman composed popular music in the 1950s, including “Tippy-Toe” and “Soda Pop Hop.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Stay Where You Are” on August 26, 1952. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement.

“Stay Where You Are,” as well as all the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 2 is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: David E. Coleman, Percy Faith, Tony Bennett, William Engvick

May 24, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: While We’re Young

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 25, 2022, is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

“While We’re Young” was written in 1944 by Alec Wilder and Morty Palitz, with lyrics by William Engvick. The song was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee ‘The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!’ “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “While We’re Young” on May 31, 1951. Percy Faith wrote the arrangement.

“While We’re Young,” as well as all of the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Alec Wilder, Morty Palitz, Percy Faith, Tony Bennett, William Engvick

July 3, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Tony Live! While We’re Young

The song of the day for Saturday, July 4, 2020, is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

“While We’re Young” was written by Alec Wilder, with Morty Palitz and William Engvick, in 1944. It was as first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee that “The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!” “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “While We’re Young” in 1977 in Buffalo, NY, which was Wilder’s home town. In fact, you can hear Bennett call out to Wilder before he starts the song. It was all captured on Tony Bennett, The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music. Currently, it only available in The Complete Improv Collection.

“While We’re Young,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day, Tony Live! Tagged With: Alec Wilder, Morty Palitz, Tony Bennett, William Engvick

February 16, 2016 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: While We’re Young

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 16, 2016 is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “While We’re Young,” was written in 1944 by Alec Wilder, Morty Palitz and William Engvick. It was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee that “The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!” “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “While We’re Young” early in his career, in 1951. Today’s recording is his other recording, from a live club appearance in Buffalo, New York and released on Tony Bennett, The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music on Tony’s own Improv label.

While We"re Young - Live

Listen to While We"re Young - Live on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2004.


“While We’re Young,” as well as Tony Bennett: The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Alec Wilder was born 109 years ago today, February 16, 1907 in Rochester, New York. He was a member of a prominent family, though he was unhappy enough as a teenager to hire a lawyer and become an emancipated minor and also gained part of the family fortune. He studied composition with professors at the Eastman School of Music, though he was never enrolled nor received a degree.

Wilder’s career is fascinating in that it spanned both popular and classical music. He was a great friend to many of the 20th century’s greatest singers: Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Mabel Mercer and Peggy Lee. He also wrote the pre-eminent American Popular Song, the most important, complete and well-written book on the American Songbook. At the same time, he composed classical music, musicals, film music, opera and art songs.

The Year of Tony Bennett is pleased to remember the great Alec Wilder on his birthday.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Alec Wilder, Marty Palitz, William Engvick

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