The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

Today is the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Friday, December 23, 2016 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 the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. The song was arranged by Lee Musiker.

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: O Christmas Tree

Today is the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Wednesday, December 21, 2016 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 faithful love.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “O Christmas Tree” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. This version was arranged and accompanied by Lee Musiker.

O Christmas Tree (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

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


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