The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Dream a Little Dream of Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, is “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”

About This Song

“Dream a Little Dream of Me” was composed in 1931 by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, with lyrics by Gus Kahn. The song was first recorded by Ozzie Nelson and also by Wayne King and His Orchestra, The song has remained popular over the decades, with recordings by Kate Smith, Frankie Laine, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Doris Day, and even The Mamas and The Papas, with Mama Cass. Louis Armstrong, with Ella Fitzgerald, recorded the song in 1950.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Dream a Little Dream of Me” in March 2002 for Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“Dream a Little Dream of Me,” as well as Tony Bennett & k.d. lang: A Wonderful World, is available on Apple Music.

We have the 1950 recording of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

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Song of the Day: O Christmas Tree

The song of the day for Thursday December 18, 2025, the 5th day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “O Christmas Tree.”

About This Song

“O Christmas Tree,” also known a “O Tannenbaum,” is based on a 16th century German folk song. The
German lyrics were written in 1824. Originally, the lyric was not specifically about Christmas, but about the “evergreen” qualities of the fir tree and dealt with faithless love.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “O Christmas Tree” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement and played piano for the recording.

“O Christmas Tree,” as well as AW Swingin’ Christmas, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for December 17, 2025, the 4th day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells,”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. 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 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. The album featured The Count Basie Orchestra. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available on Apple Music.

We have a video of Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Orchestra, singing “Silver Bells, from 2004.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

The song of the day for Monday, December 15, 2025, the second day of a Tony Bennett Christmas is “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was written 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, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” in 2004 for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All In Fun

The song of the day for Monday, December 8, 2025, is “All In Fun.”

About This Song

“All In Fun” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1939 Broadway musical Very Warm For May. Though the show was not well-reviewed, the score contained some wonderful songs including this one and “All The Things You Are.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All In Fun” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement; Johnny Mandel conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“All In Fun,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.