“What’s your favorite song?” That’s a question I ask very often. Whether I’m playing the piano and singing at a New Jersey private home, restaurant or country club, I love doing requests. And I know people appreciate being asked.

How do they answer this question? Well, a big favorite for years has been “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera.” Others favorites are “Stardust” “Over the Rainbow” “As Time Goes By” songs by Billy Joel and Sinatra, and songs from Broadway — often from specific shows, such as “South Pacific” or “Cabaret.”

Many people don’t have a favorite song, or else they need time to think of one. Others have so many that I need to write them all down! I often need to learn a new song if it’s requested, and I don’t know it. This was the case with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” requested by a couple. By the way, I sometimes don’t remember people’s names, but I always remember their favorite songs!

So many people come up and thank me for playing their favorite songs. I know they appreciate the gesture, and I get great satisfaction from knowing I’ve made them happy.

So…..what IS your favorite song? I’d love to know! And by the way, mine is “Someone to Watch Over Me” written by the Gershwins in 1926.