The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: On the Sunny Side of the Street

The song of the day for Saturday, October 24, 2015 is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

There’s nothing not to love about today’s song. Written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, “On the Sunny Side of the Street” was introduced in Lew Leslie’s International Revue. The song was one of the first in a series of cheerful songs to try to cheer people up over the Great Depression. It has proven popular with singers, who love the wonderful Fields lyrics, and jazz players, who love McHugh’s swingy tune.

About This Version

There’s nothing not to love about today’s version of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” as well. Bennett recorded today’s version in 1967 for one of his great swinging albums: Tony Makes It Happen! Arranged by our friend and wonderful arranger Marion Evans, today’s song is a joy to listen to. Just the first couple of measures and I’m there for the ride. I think you’ll be too.

On the Sunny Side of the Street

Listen to On the Sunny Side of the Street on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“On the Sunny Side of the Street,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

I haven’t forgotten that today is Saturday and I have a special video for you today. It’s Tony Bennett and Willie Nelson singing today’s song from Duets II. This version is also arranged by Marion Evans.

Happy Saturday, everyone! Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street!

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Willie Nelson is celebrating his 81st birthday today and The Year of Tony Bennett is pleased to join in the celebration of one of America’s greatest singers and composers. In honor of his birthday, the song of the day is “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written by Jimmy McHugh, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields, in 1930. It was introduced in Lew Leslie’s International Revue. It was an instant jazz standard and has remained popular up to today, with both instrumental and vocal recordings of great stature. Duke Ellington recorded it 1938 with vocalist Ivie Anderson. Instrumental recordings include those Dizzy Gillespie, Art Tatum, Count Basie, Lester Young and Dave Brubeck. Vocal recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Frankie Laine, Judy Garland, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Today’s version is, of course, the duet with Tony and Willie Nelson from the 2011 Duets II. Willie also plays the sweet guitar on this version.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4hkfBXwxJnCWRf9sDZvtkr
“On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” as well as the album Duets II, is available from iTunes.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites