Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
Christmas Time is Here
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
The song "Christmas Time Is Here" by Tony Bennett feat. The Count Basie Big Band celebrates the joy and magic of the holiday season. The opening lines describe the feelings of happiness and cheer that are associated with Christmas time, especially for children who eagerly anticipate the festivities. The snowflakes in the air and the carols everywhere evoke images of a classic Christmas scene, with people coming together to celebrate with loved ones.
The song also highlights the importance of the memories and traditions associated with the holiday season. The lyrics reference "olden times and ancient rhymes" which suggest that the true spirit of Christmas has been celebrated across generations. This idea is reinforced by the references to sleigh bells in the air and the warmth of the fireside, which conjure up images of classic Christmas traditions.
The closing lines of the song express a wish that the Christmas spirit could be present throughout the year. This sentiment is a common one – while the holiday season is a time of joy for many people, the rush and stress of the season can also be overwhelming. The song reminds us to cherish the moments of happiness and togetherness that come with Christmas time, and to hold onto those feelings throughout the year.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas time is here
The time of the year for Christmas has arrived.
Happiness and cheer
A time of joy and celebration.
Fun for all that children call
Children all over share a common love for this time of the year.
Their favorite time of the year
This is the most beloved time of the year for children.
Snowflakes in the air
The winter weather has brought snowflakes gently falling from the sky.
Carols everywhere
Songs are being sung throughout the streets and houses for the joyous season.
Olden times and ancient rhymes
People are singing songs that have been passed down through generations and have deep roots.
Of love and dreams to share
These songs are steeped in romantic ideals, and a belief in keeping traditions alive for generations to come.
Sleigh bells in the air
The sound of sleigh bells ringing can be heard as winter has arrived.
Beauty everywhere
This time of the year offers a feast for the senses as everything is decorated and brightened up from the mundane.
Yuletide by the fireside
Gathering around the warm crackling flames of a fireplace, sharing food and companionship on this special day.
And joyful memories there
The setting creates memories of joy and laughter that will be looked back upon with fondness in years to come.
Christmas time is here
The time of the year for Christmas has arrived.
We'll be drawing near
People are preparing themselves to draw closer and celebrate this time of year with family and friends.
Oh, that we could always see
If only we could carry this same level of joy and community with us throughout the year.
Such spirit through the year
That spirit of festivity, camaraderie and joy which is typically relegated to the festive season to be carried forward beyond it.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., LEE MENDELSON FILM PROD., INC.
Written by: Lee Mendelson, Vince Guaraldi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@scottj4083
Two legends. Magic. They will live forever in my heart.
@anabelamartinho5761
Two beautiful voices...... Christmas, my favorite time.........perfect
@hallson2917
R.I.P Mr Bennett 💝
@davidwilson3568
adding this to my christmas listen list
@wanda3004
Merry Christmas and have the happiest New Year 🎊🎊🎊❤️🌹❤️
@jenniferloving9054
Love this! What a great duet.
@cynthiastr9
My very fave for this Yuletide season Merriest of Christmas to each and all ✨🌟🌙🎄🍾
@kierabracken475
You cannot go wrong with these two. Beautiful it made me smile
@peterdelestrez8880
These two are great together. Really love this.
@maryamalfitano1402
May many memories be made with this song , like so many of us especially us Italians from anywhere, NYC , growing up with Tony Bennett . These 2 classy men have meant so much to me, in my life .