The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for Thursday, December 16, 2021, the third 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 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 with The Count Basie Big Band for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, which was released in 2008. Lee Musiker, Bennett’s pianist and musical director, wrote the arrangement.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Fascinating Rhythm

The song of the day for Sunday, January 20, 2021, is “Fascinating Rhythm.”

About This Song

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1924 for the Broadway musical Lady Be Good, “Fascinating Rhythm” was introduced by Cliff Edwards and Fred and Adele Astaire. The Astaires also recorded the song in 1926 with Gershwin on the piano. “Fascinating Rhythm” was and still is, a jazz number. For that reason, it has never been out of favor with jazz artists, both vocal and instrumental.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Fascinating Rhythm” in 1958 with The Count Basie Big Band for the 1959 album In Person.

Fascinatin" Rhythm

Listen to Fascinatin" Rhythm on Spotify. Tony Bennett & Count Basie · Song · 2013.

“Fascinating Rhythm,” as well as In Person, is available from Apple Music.

Bennett first recorded “Fascinating Rhythm” on the Leslie label. Long thought to be lost, a copy of the record was found and was included in the 2011 Complete Collection Box Set.

Fascinatin" Rhythm

Listen to Fascinatin" Rhythm on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Christmas Time Is Here

On the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Wednesday, December 23, 2020, is “Christmas Time Is Here.”

About This Song

“Christmas Time Is Here” was written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is a perennial holiday favorite. This song has also been recorded by artists including Diana Krall, Anita Baker, Mel Tormé, and Mariah Carey.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmas Time Is Here” with The Count Basie Big Band for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas.

Christmas Time Is Here

Listen to Christmas Time Is Here on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

“Christmas Time Is Here,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

On the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Monday, December 21, 2020, is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was composed by Walter Kent, with lyrics by Kim Gannon and Buck Ram, in 1943. This song, released at the height of World War II, tells the story of a soldier stationed overseas, who yearns to be home with family for Christmas, if only in my dreams. Bing Crosby recorded this song in 1943 and it was a best seller. The War Department issued a V-Disc with Crosby’s versions of this song and “White Christmas” that was sent to soldiers stationed all over the world. One wonders if the young soldier Anthony Benedetto, who was stationed in Germany, might have listened to this v-disc at some point.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Big Band, recorded “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Bill Holman.

I"ll Be Home for Christmas

Listen to I"ll Be Home for Christmas on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

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

Listen to Silver Bells on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

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

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites