The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Waltz

On the 11th day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Thursday, December 24, 2020, is “The Christmas Waltz.”

About This Song

“A Christmas Waltz” was written in 1954 by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. They wrote it for Frank Sinatra, who recorded it on the B-side with “White Christmas.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Christmas Waltz” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Playing with him are his quartet: Monte Alexander (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass), and Harold Jones (drums).

The Christmas Waltz

Listen to The Christmas Waltz on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

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

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Song of the Day: Christmas Time Is Here

On the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Wednesday, December 23, 2020, is “Christmas Time Is Here.”

About This Song

“Christmas Time Is Here” was written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is a perennial holiday favorite. This song has also been recorded by artists including Diana Krall, Anita Baker, Mel Tormé, and Mariah Carey.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmas Time Is Here” with The Count Basie Big Band for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas.

Christmas Time Is Here

Listen to Christmas Time Is Here on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

“Christmas Time Is Here,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

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

On the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Monday, December 21, 2020, is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was composed by Walter Kent, with lyrics by Kim Gannon and Buck Ram, in 1943. 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 my 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” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Bill Holman.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Listen to I’ll Be Home for Christmas on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

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

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Song of the Day: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

On the sixth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

About This Song

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was written by Hugh Martin for the 1944 film Meet Me In St. Louis, where it was sung by Judy Garland to Margaret O’Brien. 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 2004 for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Mr. Bennett is accompanied by his quartet, featuring Lee Musiker on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass, and Harold Jones on drums. It’s a wonderful arrangement.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Listen to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

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

Here’s the lovely scene from Meet Me In St. Louis

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the third day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 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 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” with The Count Basie Big Band for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

Silver Bells

Listen to Silver Bells on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

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

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