The song of the day for December 20, 2024, 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. 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 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, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in 2004 for A Swinging Christmas, released in 2008. Bill Holman wrote the arrangement,
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.
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