Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Original source unknown.)

Today’s track is from the 1964 beloved timeless TV special, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”. While the title character is the star of the show and completely adorable, the one narrating the story is who I adore most. He is wise, eloquent, kind & musical. All the traits I admire in someone-or in this case, something. His performances are the highlight of the show for me every year.

“Rudolph” was one of several holiday specials from the production team of Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment which formed in 1960 and operated until 1987. They also gave us “The Little Drummer Boy” in 1968, “Frosty The Snowman” in 1969 and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” in 1970. Arthur Rankin Jr.  died in 2014 at the age of 89 and Jules Bass died this past October at age 87.

Both men are ingrained in Christmas & pop culture history. They are beloved by anyone who watched or continues to watch their specials each and every year. Those yearly broadcasts continue to “make the season bright” for anyone who calls December “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Thank you, Mr. Rankin Jr. and Mr. Bass.

“Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer“.

Top: Arthur Rankin Jr. (L) and Jules Bass (R) circa 1969. Bottom: The dapper & loveable Sam The Snowman from 1964’s “Rudolph” special. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Burl Ives: ““Holly Jolly Christmas” (1964, written by Johnny Marks).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!