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