The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Christmas Song

The song of the day for Sunday, December 16, 2018, is “The Christmas Song.”
Today is the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.

About This Song

“The Christmas Song,” better known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” was written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells. This song was written on a very hot summer day and Tormé and Wells were trying to think cold Christmasy thoughts in an effort to cool off. The entire song was written forty minutes and is one of America’s most classic Christmas songs. The first recording was by Nat King Cole in 1946.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Christmas Song” in 1967 for the album Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album; Robert Farnon did the arrangement.

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“The Christmas Song,” as well as Snowfall, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: White Christmas

On the eleventh day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Sunday, December 24, 2017, the song of the day is “White Christmas.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written in 1940 by Irving Berlin. “White Christmas” 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, at over 100-million copies.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this very fine recording of “White Christmas” in 1987 for his album of songs by Irving Berlin: Bennett/Berlin. Dexter Gordon is featured on tenor saxophone.

White Christmas - 1987 Version

Listen to White Christmas - 1987 Version on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Dexter Gordon · 1987


“White Christmas,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Here’s Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas” from the 1942 movie Holiday Inn.

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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, Saturday, December 23, 2017, the song of the day is “Christmas Time Is Here.”

About This Song

“Christmas Time Is Here” was written in 1965 by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the beloved television holiday special A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is still played each Christmas. 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” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. It was arranged by Torrie Zito.

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’ Time, is available from iTunes.

About Today

I happy to share the animated video of a new duet of today’s song with Tony and Josh Groban.

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

On the ninth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 22, 2017, the song of the day is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was written in 1943 by Walter Kent (music) and Kim Gannon and Buck Ram (lyrics). 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 his dreams. Bing Crosby recorded it 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 recorded this version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas with the Count Basie Big Band. The arrangement was done 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 iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Love the Winter Weather / I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm Medley

On the seventh day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, which is also the first official day of winter, Thursday, December 21, 2017, the song of the day is a medley of “I Love the Winter Weather” and “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

About This Song

“I Love the Winter Weather” was written in 1941 by Ticker Freeman and W. Earl Brown.

“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” was written in 1937 by Irving Berlin for the musical On The Avenue.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded the medley of “I Love the Winter Weather” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” in 1967 for the album Snowfall, released in 1968.

Medley: I Love The Winter Weather / I"ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

Listen to Medley: I Love The Winter Weather / I"ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1968


The Snowfall medley, as well as Snowfall album, is available from iTunes.