The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Over The Rainbow

The song of the day for Friday, April 8, 2016 is “Over The Rainbow.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Over The Rainbow,” was written in 1939 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg. Probably the most widely known of all Arlen’s and Harburg’s songs, “Over The Rainbow” is from the great Wizard Of Oz. Interestingly, the producers wanted to cut the song from the film, as they felt it slowed downed the movie. Thankfully, the preview audiences preferred the movie with the song. “Over The Rainbow” ranked as the #1 song of the 20th century per the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts.The song has always been closely associated with Judy Garland. In a letter to Harold Arlen, Judy Garland wrote that the song “…has become part of my life. It’s so symbolic of everybody’s dreams and wishes that I’m sure that’s why some people get tears in their eyes when they hear it. I’ve sung it thousands of times and it’s still the song that’s closest to my heart.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded today’s song twice. Today, we feature his 1995 version from Here’s To The Ladies, where Bennett sings the songs most associated with the great female vocalists who sing from the American songbook. “Over The Rainbow” is, of course, for Jdy Garland. If you haven’t listened to this album lately, I heartily recommend it.

Somewhere over the Rainbow

Listen to Somewhere over the Rainbow on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1995


“Over The Rainbow,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available from iTunes.

About Today

The lyricist of today’s song, Yip Harburg, was born on April 8, 1896 in New York. I strongly assert that he is one of America’s greatest lyricists. Even though he was born 120 years ago, his lyrics are as fresh and meaningly now as they were early in the 20th century. He is truly one of America’s finest talents.

I know that I’ve featured this video many times, but I love it so much I give it to you again.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, March 17, 2016 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written Burton Lane, with lyrics from Yip Harburg, for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.” Far be from me to argue with Alec Wilder when it comes to American popular music.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “Old Devil Moon” several times. Today I chose his 1967 version from Tony Makes It Happen! The arrangement by Marion Evans is superb and Bennett is in wonderful voice. Listen in at 1:25 into the song as he holds the word ‘love’ for what seems like forever. The orchestra is really wonderful; I especially enjoy the cascade of violins at the opening.

One thing I love about Tony Bennett is how open he is about the joy he finds when he sings. You can hear him chuckle several times during this recording. He sounds great, he’s having a good time and he gives us that little laugh. You really can’t beat that.

Old Devil Moon

Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Over The Rainbow

The song of the day for Saturday, February 20, 2016 is “Over The Rainbow.”

About This Song

“Over The Rainbow” was written in 1939 for The Wizard of Oz by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg and is probably the most widely known of all Arlen’s songs. Interestingly, the producers wanted to cut the song from the film, as they felt it slowed downed the movie. Thankfully, the preview audiences preferred the movie with the song. “Over The Rainbow” ranked as the #1 song of the 20th century per the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts.The song has always been closely associated with Judy Garland. In a letter to Harold Arlen, Judy Garland wrote that the song “…has become part of my life. It’s so symbolic of everybody’s dreams and wishes that I’m sure that’s why some people get tears in their eyes when they hear it. I’ve sung it thousands of times and it’s still the song that’s closest to my heart.”

I’d like to dedicate this song to my brother, Tom, and remind him that:

When all the world is a hopeless jumble
And the raindrops tumble, all around
Heaven opens a magic lane

When all the clouds darken up the sky way
There’s a rainbow highway to be found
Leading from your window pane
To a place behind the sun
Just a step beyond the rain

About This Version

Today I’m featuring Tony’s recording of this song from his 1960 Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. The beautiful arrangement is by Glenn Osser.

Over The Rainbow

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“Over The Rainbow,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

About Today

I’ve shown this video before, but I love it so much I have to offer it again. Ladies and gentlemen: Yip Harburg.

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Song of the Day: It’s Only A Paper Moon

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 17, 2016 is “It’s Only A Paper Moon.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “It’s Only A Paper Moon,” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose. Originally written for an unsuccessful play called The Great Magoo, this song was used in the 1933 movie Take a Chance. Paul Whiteman recorded it that year. There were two very fine recordings in the 1940s by Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, which sealed the popularity of the song. Since that time, it has been a popular and jazz favorite that has been widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Only A Paper Moon” in 1998 for his lovely children’s album The Playground. The album was produced by Tony Bennett and Danny Bennett; the musical consultant was Bobby Tucker, who was pianist and arranger for both Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine. The song features The Ralph Sharon Quartet, with Grey Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums. It’s fun, swingy arrangement.

(It’s Only) A Paper Moon

“It’s Only A Paper Moon,” as well as The Playground, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

The song of the day for Saturday, February 13, 2016 is “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe,” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1943 film version of Cabin in the Sky featured Miss Waters with the role of Joe played by Eddie Anderson. The song not used in the original Broadway version of Cabin in the Sky, produced in 1941.

As we speak, Encores! at the New York City Center is producing a staged concert version of the original score of Cabin in the Sky (and to rave reviews). For this presentation, and with the permission of all the estates associated with the Broadway production, “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” was used in this concert version. I still have my fingers crossed for a recording.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with only Ralph Sharon on piano, recorded “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” in 1959 for the album Tony Sings For Two, which was released in 1961.

Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

Listen to Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1961


“Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Our video today is Ethel Waters singing “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” to her husband, played by Eddie Anderson. And yes, that’s Butterfly McQueen at the very beginning.

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