This was originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943, and it quickly became one of America's most popular holiday songs along with "White Christmas," which Bing had put onto disc the previous year. The song particularly struck a nerve with overseas GIs and their families awaiting their return from serving their country in World War II. The GI magazine said Crosby accomplished more for military morale than anyone else of that era.
This was written by Walter Kent (music) and James Kimball "Kim" Gannon (words). Though Kent and Gannon collaborated on other songs, none reached the same level of popularity as "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Kent had had previous success with the hit song "(There'll Be Blue Birds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover," with the lyricist Nat Burton in 1941.
There have been two made-for-TV movies and a 1998 film all titled I'll Be Home For Christmas, which have all featured this tune on their soundtracks.
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