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.

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.