Saturday 9

Saturday 9: I've Got Your Number (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Chosen in memory of Tony Bennett, who passed away on July 21.

 

1) In this song, Tony sings that he recognizes his lover's insecurities because she's a lot like him. Are you unsure in social situations? Or do you meet new people easily? During my career I gave lots of presentations and discovered I'm seldom nervous while speaking in public. You can prepare for that. Similarly, at the TCM Film Festival in Los Angeles last April, I was very comfortable talking to the shuttle bus filled with strangers. But after the movie, on the shuttle back, a man who remembered me from the ride over and wanted to sit with me and talk ... and I was nervous. One on twelve or twenty or two hundred and I'm fine. One on one with a stranger can leave me unsure.

 

2) While singing was his livelihood, painting was Tony Bennett's passion. What hobby do you participate in with the greatest enthusiasm? I don't consider them a "hobby," but I am passionate about these two. I love them very much.

Connie sprucing up Roy Hobbs

3) Tony was a proud son of New Jersey. Many singers hail from The Garden State, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Frank Sinatra. What heroes, heroines or celebrities hail from your home state? You're welcome, America.

#16 and #44

4) Though Tony dreamed of becoming a commercial artist, he had to drop out of school in his teens to help support his family. Looking back on your teen years, what did you want to do for a living? Is that what you ended up doing? I was going to be a journalist. It was the 1970s. Woodward and Bernstein cast a long, wide, shadow. I ended up writing, but as an advertising copywriter (aka "content creator").

5) During WWII, Tony served in Germany. The first time his voice was broadcast was during an aircheck for Armed Forced Radio. For the occasion he sang "St. James Infirmary." That was Tony's first. Let's contrast it with your last. What's the most recent song you sang? "Have You Never Been Mellow." I sang along with ONJ and my shower radio.

6) After the War, Bob Hope saw him perform under his real name, Anthony Benedetto. Hope told him that, no matter how great his talent, his name would hold him back because it was too long for a marquee. And so, Tony Bennett was born. Tell us about a marquee in your town. Is it announcing a movie, play, or concert performance? There's a movie theater around the corner from me and right now it features Barbie (<<<go see it!). But these are my favorite Chicago marquees. Seeing them always makes me happy.

 

7) In 2006, he recorded his Duets album, partnering with a variety of singers he admired. Tony said he enjoyed working with Paul McCartney at London's Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles created their classic recordings. If you vacationed in London, what would you be sure to visit? I know it's outside London, but I'd love to tour Highclere (aka Downton Abbey).

8) "I've Got Your Number" was performed by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore on The Dick Van Dyke Show. According to Dick, they were so believable as a married couple that he received glares from a hotel clerk while checking in with his real-life wife, Margie. What TV or movie couple do you feel had "chemistry?" Thinking of Downton Abbey, I'll go with Matthew and Lady Mary. (Sigh ...)

9) Special summertime random question: Would you have more fun at a pro baseball game or an art museum exhibit? Though right now my friend Elaine is planning a trip for us to The Art Institute of Chicago and I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time, it's no secret I love baseball more than just about anything.