The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: A Child Is Born

The song of the day for Sunday, December 25, 2022, the 12th day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “A Child Is Born.”

About This Song

“A Child Is Born” was written in 1969 by Thad Jones, with lyrics by Alec Wilder. Thad Jones, whose younger brother, Elvin, was a noted jazz drummer. Thad Jones was a member of the Count Basie Orchestra starting in 1954. He left the orchestra in 1963 to pursue a career as an arranger and studio trumpet player and later moved to Denmark. “A Child Is Born” is his best-known composition; the wonderful lyrics are by Alec Wilder.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “A Child Is Born” in September 1976 for their second album, Together Again, released in 1977 on Bennett’s Improv Label.

“A Child Is Born,” as well as Together Again is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Snowfall Medley

The song of the day for Friday, December 24, 2022, the 11th day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is a medley of Christmas songs.

About This Song

The songs in this medley are:

  • “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
  • “Silent Night”
  • “O Come, All Ye Faithful
  • “Jingle Bells”
  • “Where Is Love?”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this medley of songs on October 1, 1968, for Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement.

This medley, as well as Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: O Christmas Tree

The song of the day for Friday, December 23, 2022, the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “O Christmas Tree.”

About This Song

Also known as “O Tannenbaum,” this song is based on a 16th century German folk song. Originally, the lyric was not specifically about Christmas, but about the “evergreen” qualities of the fir tree and dealt with faithless love.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “O Christmas Tree” in 2004 and released it in 2008 for A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Lee Musiker, who also plays, beautifully, the solo piano on the recording.

“O Christmas Tree,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 21, 2022, the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

About This Song

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was written by Hugh Martin (who was born in my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, and attended the same college I did) and Ralph Blaine in 1943 for the 1944 film Meet Me In St. Louis. The song was introduced by Judy Garland, who sang it to her very young sister, played by Margaret O’Brien.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 2004 for his album with The Count Basie Big Band, A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

In a Twitter conversation in November 2012, Tony Bennett said that “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is his favorite Christmas song. (It’s mine too.)

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the clip from Meet Me In St. Louis, with Judy Garland and Margaret O’Brien.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 20, 2022, the seventh day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was written in 1943 by Walter Kent, with lyrics by Kim Gannon and Buck Ram. This song, released at the height of World War II, tells the story of a soldier stationed overseas, who yearns to be home with family for Christmas, if only in his dreams. Bing Crosby recorded this song in 1943 and it was a bestseller. The War Department issued a V-Disc with Crosby’s versions of this song and “White Christmas” that was sent to soldiers stationed all over the world. One wonders if the young soldier Anthony Benedetto, who was stationed in Germany, might have listened to this v-disc at some point.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in 2004 and released it in 2008 on A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Bill Holman.

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

We also have a video of Tony Bennett singing this song on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show.

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