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.
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
The song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" was written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, and Buck Ram in 1943 during World War II, and it quickly became a holiday classic. The song's lyrics refer to a soldier who is serving overseas during the Christmas season and yearns to be home with his loved ones. In the first verse, the soldier promises his family that he will return home for Christmas and asks them to prepare the festive decorations and gifts he associates with the holiday.
In the second verse, the soldier expresses his longing to be back home with his family on Christmas Eve. He visualizes the love and warmth he experiences under the mistletoe and by the tree, and he hopes to return to that scene soon. However, he acknowledges that he may only be able to fulfill this desire in his dreams.
Overall, the song reflects the intense emotions of soldiers and their families during wartime, particularly during the holidays. Many soldiers were unable to return home due to their duties, and the song became a symbol of the sacrifices that they made for their country.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to return home to celebrate Christmas with you
You can plan on me
You can rely on me that I will be there for you
Please have snow and mistletoe
I hope you have a magical and festive Christmas with snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
I hope there are lovely gifts waiting for me under the Christmas tree
Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve, I will be there
Where the love light gleams
I will be where there is love and warmth
If only in my dreams
But if circumstances prevent me from being there physically, I will be there in spirit
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NeverforgetElvis
He owns this song. Imagine hangin out with Tony for a couple days? Just seems like a great guy.
no basta
Tony's the best
Nick Riggio
Hear Tony on Facebook at: Friends of Tony Bennett
aymee villar
The best❤
Nick Riggio
Hear Tony on Facebook at: Friends of Tony Bennett
Orestes Gordones
Peace and love for everyone . Happy Holidays
Calvin Jones
Fake smile or not. He has a soothing voice. Perfect for xmas
Gary Weldon
A few years ago I had the honor of meeting Tony in person , shaking his hand and had my picture taken with him.
He visited with me and smiled...
I felt his smile was sincere...All us entertainers always smile when we are performing...you wouldn't like it if we frowned...remember Red Skelton.,,😉🎶🎵💿🎤he laughed throughout the show....he was setting the feelings of his audience!👍
Nick Riggio
Hear Tony on Facebook at: Friends of Tony Bennett
Johnny Travel
Tony My Heart