The link between generalized Bessel functions and other special functions is investigated using the Fourier series and the generalized Jacobi-Anger expansion. A new class of multivariable Hermite polynomials is then introduced and their relevance to physical problems discussed. As an example of the power of the method, applied to radiation physics, we analyse the role played by multi-variable Bessel functions in the description of radiation emitted by a charge constrained to a nonlinear oscillation.