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 December 22, 2024, the ninth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “O Christmas Tree.”

About This Song

“O Christmas Tree” was written in 1824. 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, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “O Christmas Tree” in 2004 for his album A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

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

We’re pleased to offer this video of Tony Bennett singing today’s song.

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

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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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for December 17, 2024, the fourth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, 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 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 Big Band, recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

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

We’ve got a delightful video of Tony Bennett singing “Silver Bells” with his quartet, with Monte Alexander on piano.

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Waltz

The song of the day for December 15, 2024, the second day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “The Christmas Waltz.”

About This Song

“The Christmas Waltz” was written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn for Frank Sinatra, who recorded it for the B-side of a 45 record with “A White Christmas.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “The Christmas Waltz” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

“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 December 14, 2024, the first 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 his daughter, Antonia Bennett, recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” with The Count Basie Big Band in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. 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.