Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Today’s song is one I have never featured before. It was never on my favorites list but I did not dislike it, either. I just never found a place for it in my holiday music catalog. Then I stumbled upon two versions I loved so much they are being celebrated on the third day of this special music event. The first is by one of my favorite women in the universe, Dolly Parton, who included it on her 1990 album, Home For Christmas. Her polished yet simple take on it gives the track a wonderful contemporary feel that makes the listener completely forget that the song dates back to the 19th century-1857 to be exact.

The front & back covers of Dolly Parton’s 1990 album. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Over two decades later, today’s song showed up as a duet on Rod Stewart’s first holiday album, 2012’s Merry Christmas, Baby. His partner is Mary J. Blige who brings power & passion to everything she does and this performance is no different. And her bold commanding voice juxtaposed with his soulful gravelly one combined with the elegance of the arrangement is so incredibly lovely it just pulls you in. Stewart’s album-produced by the one and only David Foster-is a great mix of beloved classics and a few other fabulous collaborations that do not disappoint. I have loved every phase of Stewart’s career and his take on The Great American Songbook & holiday tunes are no exception. I do not think there is any genre of music that he cannot make his own.

Top: Rod Stewart’s 2012 album. Bottom: Mary J. Blige (L) with Stewart (R) during his Great Performances PBS special in 2012. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Dolly Parton: “We Three Kings” (1990, written by John Henry Hopkins Jr.).

Rod Stewart featuring Mary J. Blige: “We Three Kings” (2012, written by John Henry Hopkins Jr.).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!