The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

On the ninth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 22, 2017, the song of the day is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was written in 1943 by Walter Kent (music) and Kim Gannon and Buck Ram (lyrics). 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 his dreams. Bing Crosby recorded it 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 this version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas with the Count Basie Big Band. The arrangement was done by Bill Holman.

I"ll Be Home for Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to I"ll Be Home for Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


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

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Song of the Day: A Christmas Love Song

On the seventh day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day is “A Christmas Love Song.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written in 1988, with music by Johnny Mandel and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. “A Christmas Love Song” is one the most beautiful recent Christmas songs written. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, it has been performed by many jazz and popular singers, including The Manhattan Transfer, Ann Hampton Calloway and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Christmas Love Song” for his 2008 album, A Swingin’ Christmas.

All I Want for Christmas Is You (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to All I Want for Christmas Is You (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


“A Christmas Love Song,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the 4th day of Christmas, Sunday, December 17, 2017, the song of the day 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 a 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” for his 2008 album with the Count Basie Big Band: A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker did the nice, swinging arrangement and plays piano as well.

Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


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

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Song of the Day: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

On the third day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Saturday, December 16, 2017, the song of the day is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 movie 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. It’s definitely mine as well, and not just because I was born in the same town and attended the same college as its composer, Hugh Martin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas, with Lee Musiker on piano and Harold Jones on drums, as well as the Count Basie Big Band.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


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

About Today

As it is our custom to have a video each Saturday, I’m pleased to present Judy Garland singing today’s song to a very young Margaret O’Brien. Miss O’Brien won an Academy Award as Outstanding Child Actress for her work in this film.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

On the second day of the Twelve Days Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 15, 2017, the song of day is “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was written in 1937 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 a lovely duet of today’s song for 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas, which features the Count Basie Big Band. The arrangement was written by Lee Musiker.

I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.