Tony Bennett recorded 'The Beat of My Heart' at Columbia Studios in New York between August and September 1957. The album was produced by Mitch Miller, who sought an innovative rhythmic approach for the time.
The album is characterized by the prominent use of percussion and drums, with arrangements by Bennett himself and percussionist Chico Hamilton. It features collaborations with musicians such as Art Blakey, Jo Jones, and Candido Camero, giving it a unique jazz and early bossa nova sound.
The album reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and was one of Bennett's early works exploring Latin and African rhythms. The song 'Crazy Rhythm' became a minor hit, and the record is considered a milestone in the fusion of vocal jazz with experimental percussion.