Tony Bennett: The Legend of the Great American Songbook
Tony Bennett wasn’t just a singer; he was a master of the “Big Band” and jazz standards that define classic romance. His voice is the sound of “Paradise,” perfect for creating a high-end, timeless atmosphere during your ceremony or reception.
- Ceremony & First Dance: Sweeping, romantic ballads that feel like a movie moment.
- Cocktail Hour & Dinner: Mid-tempo swing tracks that keep the mood light and elegant.
- Modern Collaborations: Fresh takes on classics featuring icons like Lady Gaga and Carrie Underwood.
Spotlight Moments: First Dances & Ceremony
- The Essential First Dance: “The Way You Look Tonight” – 1958. This is arguably Tony’s most requested wedding song. Its message—“There is nothing for me, but to love you / Just the way you look tonight”—is the perfect sentiment for a couple’s first dance together.
- The “Future-Forward” Waltz: “The Best Is Yet to Come” – 1962. A fantastic choice for a Recessional or a Grand Entrance. It sets a hopeful, celebratory tone for the life you are about to build together.
- The Soulful Vow: “When I Fall in Love” – 1959. A slow, deliberate, and deeply romantic choice for a Processional or a very intimate First Dance. It captures the gravity and beauty of a lifelong commitment.
- The Modern Twist: “It Had to Be You” (with Carrie Underwood) – 2011. For couples who want the classic Tony Bennett sound but with a modern country-pop flair, this duet from Duets II is a perfect compromise.
- The Playful Slow Dance: “Cheek To Cheek” (with Lady Gaga) – 2014. This Grammy-winning collaboration is perfect for couples who want to show off a little “ballroom” flair during their first dance. It’s upbeat, joyful, and incredibly classy.
Cocktail Hour & Atmosphere Setters
- The Signature Classic: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” – 1962. While technically about a city, its themes of longing and devotion have made it a universal love song. It’s a mandatory inclusion for a classy cocktail hour.
- The Feel-Good Standard: “What a Wonderful World” (with k.d. lang) – 2002. A beautiful, lush version of the Louis Armstrong classic that works perfectly for dinner music or a parent dance.
- The Dreamy Mid-Tempo: “Fly Me To The Moon” – 1965. A bit more laid back than the Sinatra version, Tony’s take is perfect for keeping the energy sophisticated while guests mingle.
- The “Discovery” Track: “Until I Met You” – 1963. A wonderful “hidden gem” for a cocktail hour. It’s about the transformation that happens when you find “the one.”
- The Original Hit: “Because of You” – 1952. Tony’s first big #1 hit. It’s pure 1950s romance and works beautifully for couples who love a vintage aesthetic.
DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the Bennett Vibe
- The “Crooner” Mix: Tony Bennett mixes perfectly with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin. If you’re going for a “Classic Vegas” or “New York Jazz” vibe, these four are your core “Mount Rushmore” of the playlist.
- The Volume Check: Tony’s music is all about the nuances of his voice. During dinner or cocktail hour, ensure the volume is set so guests can hear the lyrics without having to shout over the brass section.
- The “Lady Gaga” Bridge: If you have a younger crowd that might find older jazz “too slow,” use the Tony & Gaga duets. They bridge the generational gap perfectly while maintaining the sophisticated vibe.
Our Music Planning Guides.
Don’t miss any moments of your wedding to incorporate your personality.
Tony Bennet Highest-Ranking Billboard Hits – US
- #1 Because of You, 1951
- #1 Cold, Cold Heart, 1951
- #1 Rags to Riches, 1953
- #2 Stranger in Paradise, 1953
- #7 There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight, 1954
- #8 Cinnamon Sinner, 1954
- #9 In the Middle of an Island, 1957
- #11 From the Candy Store on the Corner to the Chapel on the Hill, 1956
- #12 I Won’t Cry Anymore, 1951
- #14 I Wanna Be Around, 1963
- #15 Here in My Heart, 1952
- #16 Blue Velvet, 1951
- #16 Have a Good Time, 1952
- #16 Can You Find It in Your Heart?, 1956
- #17 Solitaire, 1951
- #18 The Autumn Waltz, 1956
- #18 The Good Life, 1963
- #19 I Left My Heart in San Francisco, 1962
Tony Bennett Love Songs List
Cheek To Cheek
(Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga)
Released in 2014 on the album Cheek To Cheek
Oh I love to climb a mountain
And reach the highest peak
But it doesnt thrill me half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
It Had to Be You
(Tony Bennett & Carrie Underwood)
Released in 2011 on the album Duets II
I wondered around, finally found somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
And even be glad just to be sad
Thinking of you
What a Wonderful World
(Tony Bennett & k.d. lang)
Released in 2002 on the album A Wonderful World
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world
Fly Me To The Moon
Released in 1965 on the album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set
In other words, darling, kiss me
Fill my life with song
And let me sing for ever more
Until I Met You
Released in 1963 on the album I Wanna Be Around
Until I met you
Since I found you I feel the entire universe reel
I never knew what love was all about
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
Released in 1962 as a single
This is not a love song of a person, but rather a city. However, that love has grown into one of Tony’s most recognizable songs.
My love waits there in San Francisco
The Best Is Yet to Come
Released in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart In San Francisco
The best is yet to come, and babe won’t it be fine
The best is yet to come, come the day you’re mine
My Funny Valentine
Released in 1961 on the album Tony Sings For Two
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable, un-photographable
Yet, you’re my favorite work of art
When I Fall in Love
Released in 1959 on the album In Person!
And the moment I can feel that
You feel that way too (I feel that way too)
Is when I’ll fall in love (I fall in love)
With you
The Way You Look Tonight
Released in 1958 on the album Long Ago And Far Away
There is nothing for me, but to love you
Just the way you look tonight
Because of You
Released in 1952 on the album Because of You
I only live for your love and your kiss
It’s paradise to be near you like this
Tony Bennett Spotify Playlist
Do you have a favorite Tony Bennett song? Please share your song below in the comments.
