The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

On the ninth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 22, 2017, the song of the day is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was written in 1943 by Walter Kent (music) and Kim Gannon and Buck Ram (lyrics). 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 it in 1943 and it was a best seller. 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” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas with the Count Basie Big Band. The arrangement was done by Bill Holman.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

I’ll Be Home for Christmas, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: A Christmas Love Song

On the seventh day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day is “A Christmas Love Song.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written in 1988, with music by Johnny Mandel and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. “A Christmas Love Song” is one the most beautiful recent Christmas songs written. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, it has been performed by many jazz and popular singers, including The Manhattan Transfer, Ann Hampton Calloway and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Christmas Love Song” for his 2008 album, A Swingin’ Christmas.

All I Want for Christmas Is You

All I Want for Christmas Is You, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“A Christmas Love Song,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

On the sixth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Tuesday, December 19, 2017, the song of the day is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

About This Song

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was written in 1934, with music by John Frederick Coots and lyrics by 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 of the sheet music had been sold.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in 1967 for the album Snowfall, which was released in 1968. The arrangement was done by Robert Farnon.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” as well as Snowfall, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Song

On the fifth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Monday, December 18, 2017, the song of the day is “The Christmas Song.”

About This Song

“The Christmas Song” was written in 1944 by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells. Sometimes known by its first line ‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” this song was written on a very hot summer day and Tormé and Wells were trying to think cold Christmasy thoughts in an effort to cool off. The entire song was written forty minutes and is one of America’s most classic Christmas songs. The first recording was by Nat King Cole in 1946.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded The Christmas Song in 1967 for the album Snowfall, released in 1968. It was arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon.

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“The Christmas Song,” as well as Snowfall, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the 4th day of Christmas, Sunday, December 17, 2017, the song of the day is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Ray Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is, until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had a another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” for his 2008 album with the Count Basie Big Band: A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker did the nice, swinging arrangement and plays piano as well.

Silver Bells

Silver Bells, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify


“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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