The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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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Song of the Day: Christmas Time Is Here

The song of the day for December 17, 2021, the fourth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Christmas Time Is Here.”

About This Song

“Christmas Time Is Here” was written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is still played each Christmas. This song has also been recorded by artists including Diana Krall, Anita Baker, Mel Tormé, and Mariah Carey.

The program will be aired on December 19, 2021, on PBS (check your local listings). It will also be streaming on Apple TV+.

About This Version

Tony Bennet recorded “Christmas Time Is Here” for his 2008 album with The Count Basie Big Band, A Swingin’ Christmas. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Christmas Time Is Here,” 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 Thursday, December 16, 2021, the third 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 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 with The Count Basie Big Band for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, which was released in 2008. Lee Musiker, Bennett’s pianist and musical director, wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Waltz

On the 11th day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Thursday, December 24, 2020, is “The Christmas Waltz.”

About This Song

“A Christmas Waltz” was written in 1954 by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. They wrote it for Frank Sinatra, who recorded it on the B-side with “White Christmas.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Christmas Waltz” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Playing with him are his quartet: Monte Alexander (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass), and Harold Jones (drums).

The Christmas Waltz (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to The Christmas Waltz (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

“The Christmas Waltz,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

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