Tony Bennett—”I'‘ll Be Home For Christmas” (2008)

The upcoming Christmas will be different from any celebration we have known so far. ”I’ll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams” has a special meaning this pandemic year.

Anthony Dominick Benedetto sang this version, arranged by Bill Holman, during “A Swingin’ Christmas” concert at New York City’s Apollo Theater on December 16, 2008. The then 82-year old Tony Bennett is accompanied by the 17-piece Count Basie Big Band under the direction of Basie’s trombonist Bill Hughes. The piano solo in the Basie style is played by Jamaica-born Monty Alexander.

This song was originally a 1943 World War II ballad, portraying an overseas stationed soldier writing a letter home. It was written by two New Yorkers, composer Walter Kent (=Walter Maurice Kaufman, 1911-1994) and lyricist James Kimball ”Kim” Gannon (1900-1974). Later, after a successful lawsuit, The Platters’ manager Buck Ram — who had written a poem and song by the same title — was added as a co-writer.