The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: White Christmas

The song of the day for December 16, 2023, the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “White Christmas.”

About This Song

“White Christmas,” written by Irving Berlin in 1940, is one of America’s most beloved Christmas songs. In the not-often-heard verse of the song, we hear that “the sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway, there’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24 …” And indeed, Irving Berlin was in Los Angeles when he wrote “White Christmas,” expressing that longing for a traditional back-home Christmas. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1942 and it completely dominated the music charts for weeks. Crosby’s “White Christmas” single is the biggest-selling single record of all time, worldwide, at over 100 million copies.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “White Christmas” in May 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin, consisting completely of songs written by Irving Berlin. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and features Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone.

“White Christmas,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

We also have Bing Crosby’s recording of today’s song:

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Song of the Day: All Of My Life

The song of the day for Monday, November 27, 2023, is “All Of My Life.”

About This Song

“All Of My Life” was written by Irving Berlin in 1944. This sweet ballad expresses the yearning for a nice life with the one that you love, a message that was quite poignant for a country towards the end of World War II. This song was introduced (and made famous) by Kate Smith. Other recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Harry James, Sarah Vaughan, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All Of My Life” in May 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and features Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone.

“All Of My Life,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: White Christmas

The song of the day for Thursday, December 22, 2022, the ninth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “White Christmas.”

About This Song

“White Christmas” was written in 1940 by Irving Berlin. It’s one of America’s most beloved Christmas songs. In the not-often heard verse of the song, we hear that

The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway, there’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24th …

And indeed, Irving Berlin was in Los Angeles when he wrote “White Christmas,” expressing that longing for a traditional back-home Christmas. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1942 and completely dominated the music charts for weeks. Crosby’s single “White Christmas” is the biggest-selling single record of all time, worldwide, at over 100 million copies.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “White Christmas” in May 1987 and was released that year on Bennett/Berlin. This song was arranged by Tony Bennett and features Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone.

“White Christmas,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

And here’s that Bing Crosby recording from 1942:

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Song of the Day: All Of My Life

The song of the day for Sunday, November 26, 2022, is “All Of My Life.”

About This Song

“All Of My Life” was written in 1944 by Irving Berlin. This sweet ballad expresses the yearning for a nice life with the one you love, a message quite poignant for a country towards the end of World War II. (This song was introduced (and made famous) by Kate Smith. Other recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Harry James, Sarah Vaughan, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All Of My Life” in May 1987 and was released that year on Bennett/Berlin. This song was arranged by Tony Bennett and features Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone.

“All Of My Life,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: White Christmas

The song of the day for December 14, 2021, the first day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “White Christmas.”

About This Song

“White Christmas” was written by Irving Berlin in 1940 and is one of America’s most beloved Christmas songs. In the not-often heard verse of the song, we hear that “the sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway, there’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24 …” And indeed, Irving Berlin was in Los Angeles when he wrote “White Christmas,” expressing that longing for a traditional back-home Christmas. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1942 and completely dominated the music charts for weeks. Crosby’s single of “White Christmas” is the biggest-selling single record of all time, worldwide, with over 100-million copies.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “White Christmas” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin, consisting of songs written by Irving Berlin. Dexter Gordon on tenor sax is featured on this recording.

“White Christmas,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.