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