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

The song of the day for December 15, 2023, the second 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. This song was first recorded by Bing Crosby. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time, the song has become a Christmas standard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Orchestra, recorded “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. It was arranged by Bill Holman.

“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: O Christmas Tree

The song of the day for Friday, December 23, 2022, the tenth 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” in 2004 and released it in 2008 for A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Lee Musiker, who also plays, beautifully, the solo piano on the recording.

“O Christmas Tree,” 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 Wednesday, December 21, 2022, the eighth 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 (who was born in my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, and attended the same college I did) and Ralph Blaine in 1943 for the 1944 film Meet Me In St. Louis. The song was introduced by Judy Garland, who sang it to her very young sister, played by Margaret O’Brien.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 2004 for his album with The Count Basie Big Band, A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008.

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.)

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

Here’s the clip from Meet Me In St. Louis, with Judy Garland and Margaret O’Brien.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 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. 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 this song in 1943 and it was a bestseller. 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” in 2004 and released it in 2008 on A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Bill Holman.

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

We also have a video of Tony Bennett singing this song on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for December 18, 2022, the fifth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist 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” in 2004. The song was released in 2008 on the album A Swingin’ Christmas, with The Count Basie Big Band. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

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