The song “Because of You”, number #1 pop single of 1951, was my introduction to Tony Bennett. My mother loved that song and when my mom loved a song, she would play it over and over. (I occasionally shock myself when I hear something on the radio or in a movie and I start to hum/sing along to a song from the 40’s or 50’s and not remember why I know it. Its like I heard them in my crib and the words and melodies of Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, and a few Broadway show tunes, are in my bones)
But, back to Mr. Bennett, I received a DVD of his called “Duets: An American Classic“awhile back and I listened to it again. He sings with assorted pop stars like John Legend, Elton John, Christina Aguilera (He sings “Because of you” with K.D. Lang, “Smile” with Barbra Streisand, “For Once in My Life” with Stevie Wonder)
Fun to see these youngsters work at holding their own
with this octogenarian – who btw, just seems to be having a great time
with it all. I enjoyed it.
“BECAUSE OF YOU” (Written in 1940 by Arthur Hammerstein and Dudley Wilkinson for the movie “I Was An American Spy”)
Because of you there’s a song in my heart
Because of you my romance had its start
Because of you the sun will shine
The moon and stars will say you’re mine
Forever and never to part…
