The song of the day for December 18, 2022, the fifth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells.”
About This Song
“Silver Bells” was written 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. The song was released in 2008 on the album A Swingin’ Christmas, with The Count Basie Big Band. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.
“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.