The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

The song of the day for December 16, 2024, the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

About This Song

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie. The song had a spectacular debut. It was first sung on Eddie Cantor’s radio show in November 1934. On the day after the broadcast, there were 100,000 orders for the sheet music; by Christmas, over 400,000 copies had been sold.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” in June 1967 for his album Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. It was arranged by Robert Farnon.

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” as well as Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

Tony Bennett recorded “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” with The Count Basie Band for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. I’m unsure where or when this video was made, but I think it was at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Bergen, New Jersey.

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Waltz

The song of the day for December 15, 2024, the second day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “The Christmas Waltz.”

About This Song

“The Christmas Waltz” was written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn for Frank Sinatra, who recorded it for the B-side of a 45 record with “A White Christmas.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “The Christmas Waltz” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

“The Christmas Waltz,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

The song of the day for December 14, 2024, the first day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1937 movie On The Avenue, starring Dick Powell and Alice Faye, who introduced the song in the movie. Billie Holiday recorded it in 1937 as did Mildred Bailey. Other notable recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Doris Day.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and his daughter, Antonia Bennett, recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” with The Count Basie Big Band in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Thursday, December 12, 2024, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About This Song

“Lullaby of Broadway” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1935 movie The Gold Diggers of 1935. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. “Lullaby of Broadway” is one of the great show biz anthems. The 1980 Broadway musical 42nd Street featured Jerry Orbach singing the song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Band, recorded “Lullaby of Broadway” on December 22, 1958, for the album In Person! Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Time: Just In Time

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 12, 2024, is “Just In Time.”

About This Song

“Just In Time” was written by Jule Styne, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden for the 1956 Broadway musical Bells Are Ringing. The song was introduced by Judy Holliday and Sydney Chaplin; Holliday and Dean Martin it in the 1960 film version.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Just In Time” on September 19, 1956, featuring an arrangement by Percy Faith. It was released as a single in 1956 and was included on the 1962 album Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits.

“Just In Time,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits, is available on Apple Music.

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