The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Christmasland

On the first day of the Twelve Days Tony Bennett Christmas, Thursday, December 14, 2017, the song of day is “Christmasland.”

About This Song

“Christmasland” was written by Robert Farnon and his brother Brian Farnan. Robert Farnon, born in Canada, lived in England following the conclusion of World War II. He was a gifted composer and orchestra conductor and worked closely with Tony Bennett on several projects, including Bennett’s 1968 album Snowfall, which he orchestrated.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmasland” in 1968 for the album Snowfall.

Snowfall

Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968


“Christmasland,” as well as Snowfall, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Since its inception in 2010, The Year of Tony Bennett has celebrated the Christmas season with The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas. Welcome to our 2017 version. I wish you all the happiest holiday season.

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Song of the Day: Silver Bells

Today is the tenth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Friday, December 23, 2016 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 a 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” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. The song was arranged by Lee Musiker.

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 iTunes.

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Song of the Day: O Christmas Tree

Today is the eighth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Wednesday, December 21, 2016 is “O Christmas Tree.”

About This Song

Also known as “O Tannenbaum,” this song is based on a 16th century German folk song. Originally, the lyric was not specifically about Christmas, but about the “evergreen” qualities of the fir tree and dealt with faithful love.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “O Christmas Tree” for his 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. This version was arranged and accompanied by Lee Musiker.

O Christmas Tree (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to O Christmas Tree (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


“O Christmas Tree,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Christmasland

Today is the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.

The song of the day for Friday, December 16, 2016 is “Christmasland.”

About This Song

“Christmasland” was written by brothers Dennis and Brian Farnon.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmasland” in 1968 for the album Snowfall. Robert Farnon, brother of the composers, arranged and conducted the entire album.

Christmasland

Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968

“Christmasland,” as well as the album Snowfall, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Christmasland

On the fifth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 18, 2015, the song of the day is “Christmasland.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Christmasland,” was composed by Robert Farnon, with lyrics by his brother Brian Farnon.

About This Version

Today’s song, “Christmasland,” was recorded in 1968 for Snowfall — The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. The recording was arranged and conducted by the composer, Robert Farnon.

Christmasland

Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968


“Christmasland,” as well as Snowfall–The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, is available from iTunes.