The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Twilight World

The song of the day for Sunday, March 20, 2022, is “Twilight World.”

About Today

We are very pleased to honor Marian McPartland on the anniversary of her birth on March 20, 1918, in Slough, United Kingdom. She was a noted pianist, composer, and writer. Her NPR series, Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, ran from 1978 to 2011 and introducted jazz to much of America.

About This Song

“Twilight World” was written by Marian McPartland, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer in 1957. This ballad by Marian McPartland has proven to be one of her most enduring and popular songs. The tune itself is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, often played in a bossa nova style. The lyrics by Johnny Mercer are quite good, and the combination makes for nearly perfect jazz song. Tony Bennett said “well, that song will last forever. It’s a beautiful song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Twilight World” in 1971; the recording was released on the album With Love in 1972. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement

“Twilight World,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

We are happy to present the 1990 episode of Piano Jazz with Tony Bennett as guest. It’s really lovely.

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Song of the Day: Here’s That Rainy Day

The song of the day for Monday, January 31, 2022, is “Here’s That Rainy Day.”

About This Song

““Here’s That Rainy Day” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 1953 Broadway musical Carnival in Flanders, which only ran for six performances. This song, however, is quite good and has remained a popular ballad over the years. In addition to Bennett’s recording, it has also been recorded by those such as Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Steve Lawrence, Billy Eckstine, and Ann Hampton Calloway. The song is also proved a favorite of jazz instrumentalists, including Dave Brubeck, Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, and Art Pepper, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Here’s That Rainy Day” in 1972 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon arranged and conducted all of the songs on this album.

“Here’s That Rainy Day,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Riviera

The song of the day for Thursday, September 23, 2021, is “The Riviera.”

About This Song

“The Riviera” was written in 1956 by Cy Coleman and Joseph McCarthy, Jr. One of Cy Coleman’s early songs, “The Riviera” predates his long association with lyricist Carolyn Leigh. Popular versions of this song are those by Mabel Mercer and Blossom Dearie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Riviera” in 1971 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Riviera

Listen to The Riviera on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1972.

“The Riviera,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Maybe This Time

The song of the day for Thursday, September 16, 2021, is “Maybe This Time.”

About This Song

“Maybe This Time” was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb in 1963. This song appeared in the film version of Cabaret. It was not written for the original Broadway production. Nor was it written especially for the film version; Kander and Ebb had written the song in 1963 for Kaye Ballard. It was therefore not eligible for consideration for an Academy Award. The song is, of course, widely associated with Liza Minnelli, who sang it in the film version of Cabaret. Tony Bennett sang the song regularly at his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Maybe This Time” in 1972 for the album With Love. It was arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon.

Maybe This Time

Listen to Maybe This Time on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1972.

“Maybe This Time,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Easy Come, Easy Go

The song of the day for Saturday, September 11, 2021, is “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

About This Song

“Easy Come, Easy Go” was written in 1934 by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman, who also wrote “Body and Soul.” It was first recorded in 1934 by Johnny Green and His Orchestra. It’s also been recorded by Jo Stafford, Bobby Short, Helen Merrill, Anita O’Day, and Susannah McCorkle.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Easy Come, Easy Go” in 1972 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Easy Come, Easy Go

Listen to Easy Come, Easy Go on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1972.

“Easy Come, Easy Go,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.

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