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 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.

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Song of the Day: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

On the sixth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

About This Song

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was written by Hugh Martin for the 1944 film Meet Me In St. Louis, where it was sung by Judy Garland to Margaret O’Brien. In a Twitter conversation in November 2012, Tony Bennett said that “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is his favorite Christmas song. It’s mine too.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 2004 for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Mr. Bennett is accompanied by his quartet, featuring Lee Musiker on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass, and Harold Jones on drums. It’s a wonderful arrangement.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

Here’s the lovely scene from Meet Me In St. Louis

Meet Me In St. Louis | Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Warner Classics

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) #WarnerClassics #JudyGarland #MeetMeInStLouis About Meet Me In St. Louis (1944): Divided into a series of seasonal vignettes, starting with Summer 1903, it relates the story of a year in the life of the Smith family in St.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the third day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Wednesday, December 16, 2020, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Ray 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” with The Count Basie Big Band for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Silver Bells (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

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

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Song of the Day: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

On the sixth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Tuesday, December 19, 2017, the song of the day is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

About This Song

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was written in 1934, with music by John Frederick Coots and lyrics by Haven Gillespie. The song had a spectacular debut. It was first sung on Eddie Cantor’s radio show in November, 1934. On the day after the broadcast, there were 100,000 orders for the sheet music; by Christmas, over 400,000 copies of the sheet music had been sold.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in 1967 for the album Snowfall, which was released in 1968. The arrangement was done by Robert Farnon.

Santa Claus Is Comin" To Town

Listen to Santa Claus Is Comin" To Town on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1968


“Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” as well as Snowfall, is available from iTunes.