The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

The song of the day for Saturday, December 23, 2023, the tenth 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 in 1943 for the film Meet Me In St. Louis, where it was introduced by Judy Garland. In a Twitter conversation in November 2012, Tony Bennett said that “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is his favorite Christmas song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 2004 for his second Christmas album, A Swingin’Christmas, which was released in 2008.

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

Here is Judy Garland singing today’s song to a very young Margaret O’Brien from the 1944 Meet Me In St. Louis.

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Song of the Day: O Christmas Tree

The song of the day for Friday, December 22, 2023, the ninth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “O Christmas Tree.”

About This Song

“O Christmas Tree,” also known as “O Tannenbaum” 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 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement and played solo piano.

“O Christmas Tree,” 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 Thursday, December 21, 2023, the eighth 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 Antonio Bennett recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” in 2004 for the album A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Lee Musiker.

“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: The Christmas Song

The song of the day for December 20, 2023, the seventh day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, 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 June 1967 for Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, released in 1968. It was arranged by Robert Farnon.

“The Christmas Song,” as well as Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 19, 2023, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist 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 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, with The Count Basie Orchestra, recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available on Apple Music.