The song of the day for December 17, 2024, the fourth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is, until 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, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

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

We’ve got a delightful video of Tony Bennett singing “Silver Bells” with his quartet, with Monte Alexander on piano.