The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: O Christmas Tree

The song of the day for Friday, December 24, 2021, the eleventh 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” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. The lovely arrangement is by Lee Musiker; Monty Alexander plays piano, beautifully.

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

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Waltz

The song of the day for Thursday, December 23, 2021, the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “The Christmas Waltz.”

About This Song

“The Christmas Waltz” was written in 1954 by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. They wrote it for Frank Sinatra to sing; it was released on the B-side with “White Christmas.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Christmas Waltz” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas.

“The Christmas Waltz,” 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 Wednesday, December 22, 2021, the ninth 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 1937 as did Mildred Bailey. Other notable recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Doris Day.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and his daughter, Antonia Bennett, recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“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: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

The song of the day for Sunday, December 19, 2021, the sixth 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 and Ralph Blane and was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 movie Meet Me In St. Louis. 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 this version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas,” which featured The Count Basie Big Band.

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

Today we have a clip from Meet Me In St. Louis, with Judy Garland singing today’s song to a very young Margaret Hamilton:

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

The song of the day for December 18, 2021, the fifth 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, 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 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 recorded “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. 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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