The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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On the Ninth Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the ninth day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Monday, December 22, 2014, he sings for us “Silver Bells.”

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950, with music by Jay Livingston and lyrics by 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.

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3IFdgovo2BeNChD2DWBh7H
“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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On The Eighth Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the eighth day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, he sings for us “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was written in 1943 by Hugh Martin, with lyrics by Ralph Blane.It 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 is also a favorite of your author, who shares both a home town (Birmingham, Alabama) and an alma mater (Birmingham-Southern College) with Hugh Martin. He was a frequent visitor to both the theater and music departments when he visited home and was always very supportive of our work. Merry Christmas, Mr. Martin.

Tony Bennett first recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 1968 for Snowfall. Today’s version is from A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

http://open.spotify.com/track/0Z52gqfioTOy0goZIrjcNy
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

And who can forget the luminous Judy Garland, singing this song to a young Margaret O’Brien in Meet Me In St. Louis.

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On the Seventh Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the seventh day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Tony sings “The Christmas Waltz.”

“The Christmas Waltz” was written in 1954 by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn at the specific request of Frank Sinatra, who included it on the B-side with his recording of “White Christmas.” Like “White Christmas,” this song was written on a hot summer day. While the song has been widely recorded and is popular, it never charted until 2003, with a recording by Harry Connick Jr.

Tony Bennett recorded “The Christmas Waltz” for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

http://open.spotify.com/track/08BhfyKUXxZrnyHrDavNHP
“The Christmas Waltz,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available from iTunes.

We’re also happy to feature this kind of sweet and funny video of Tony singing this song.

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On the Third Day of Tony Bennett Christmas

On the third day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Tuesday, December 16, 2014, Tony Bennett and Antonia Bennett sing “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was written in 1937 by Irving Berlin for the 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.

Tony Bennett first recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” in 1968 for his album Snowfall. Today’s version is from A Swingin’ Christmas, a duet by Tony Bennett and his daughter Antonia, recorded in 2004.

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 Swinging’ Christmas is available from iTunes.

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On the First Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the First Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Sunday, December 14, 2014, Tony Bennett sings “Christmas Time is Here.”

Fans of A Charlie Brown Christmas will recognize this song. Written in 1965 by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson, this television program has been a part of Christmas for families for nearly 50 years.

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmas Time Is Here” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. This album features The Count Basie Big Band, including Harold Jones, who is now Tony Bennett’s drummer.

http://open.spotify.com/track/1NbkW4qACyJ4MDpqP1kAC5
“Christmas Time Is Here,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.