The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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 (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to Christmas Time Is Here (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

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

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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 (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to I"ll Be Home for Christmas (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

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

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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: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

On the first day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, December 14, 2020, the song of the day 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 in 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, recorded “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” in 2004; it was released on A Swingin’ Christmas in 2008, featuring The Count Basie Big Band. It was arranged by Lee Musiker.

I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008

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

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

The song of the day for Friday, December 21, 2018, is “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”
Today is the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.

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 recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker did the arrangement.

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, a song by Tony Bennett, Antonia Bennett on Spotify

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