I've Gotta Be Me was released in 1969 by Columbia Records, produced by Ernie Altschuler. The album marks a shift towards a more contemporary sound for Tony Bennett, incorporating pop and rock influences of the era, with arrangements by Don Costa and Torrie Zito.
The album includes the title track 'I've Gotta Be Me', a Broadway hit from the show 'Golden Rainbow', as well as covers of songs by artists such as The Beatles ('Something') and Burt Bacharach ('I'll Never Fall in Love Again'). The recording took place at Columbia Studios in New York City.
Although the album did not reach major charts, it reflects Bennett's willingness to adapt to the musical changes of the late 1960s. Over time, it has been reappraised as an interesting document of his artistic transition.