Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

On this day 78 years ago, the definitive Christmas movie premiered. “It’s A Wonderful Life” opened on December 20, 1946 in New York City to only mixed reviews (I know, RIGHT?!?!?). That did not stop it from becoming the beloved iconic feel good movie for everyone who thinks their lives are nothing special in the grand scheme of things. Is it really Christmas until George meets Clarence and realizes what life would have been without the presence of the oldest Bailey son? And would we have even heard of the name Zuzu without this film???

Top: The movie poster for the film. Bottom: The heartwarming scene where George Baily (Jimmy Stewart) reunites with his family including wife, Mary (Donna Reed), and kids Pete, Janie, Zuzu and Tommy. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Fifteen years after that movie’s NYC debut, an unknown 19 year old folk singer turned up in that very same city in the hopes of starting his musical career and to meet his idol, Woody Guthrie. The man who renamed himself Bob Dylan arrived in New York City in January 1961 and began playing clubs in Greenwich Village a month later. Before the year was over he was signed to Columbia Records (thank you, John Hammond) and Dylan’s debut album was released in March 1962. The rest of the story is now history, as he became a hero for the times and his generation by using his words to voice the the significant changes at a time when so much life was happening.

A movie based on that seminal period-based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald-will open on Christmas Day. “A Complete Unknown” chronicles Dylan’s early days performing in small NYC venues to his controversial appearance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when he introduced his electric sound. It stars Timothée Chalamet (who also serves as a producer) as Dylan and is directed by James Mangold who also brought Joaquin Phoenix to life as Johnny Cash in 2005’s “Walk The Line” and Sylvester Stallone as Freddy Heflin in one of my absolute favorite films, 1997’s “Copland”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 2009 Dylan released a holiday album, Christmas in the Heart. He took on 15 festive carols and made them his own and donated all the proceeds to charities he hand selected. I have always liked the poetry of his writing and the unmistakable sound of his hoarse gravelly voice and that is showcased on every track of this album. But I find myself particularly drawn to today’s pick as it gives me distinct Tom Waits vibes (he was featured on Day 7). But no matter who sings this song, it always takes me back to the scene where the crowd gathered at the Bailey house breaks into song after helping George on Christmas Eve.

Top: Dylan’s 2009 album. Bottom: The artist circa 2023. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bob Dylan: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” (2009, written by written by Felix Mendelssohn and Charles Wesley, arranged by Bob Dylan).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!