Monthly Archives: December 2024

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 16

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 16

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

Today’s song is one not played nearly enough, a rare instance in a month of non-stop holiday music. Released in 1998 by world renowned harpist Jung Kwak and featuring vocals by Broadway actress & singer Linder Eder, the combination is simply stunning.

Jung
Linda

Top: Jung Kwak, also known as Harpist K, circa 1998. Bottom: Linda Eder circa 2005. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Jung Kwak featuring Linda Eder: “The Gift” (1998 credit(s) unknown).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 15

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Day 15

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

A tradition is, by definition, “a belief, practice, or custom that is passed down from generation to generation, often within a particular culture or society”. And traditions exist for a reason. They are precious, comforting and connect us to people in a different time and place because it removes those barriers and gives us common ground. Today’s song is one of the most beloved traditions which most of us know to be the definitive sound of Christmas.

Nat

Nat King Cole circa 1955. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Nat King Cole: “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)“, (1946, 1961, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 14

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Day 14

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

Today’s song made my list last year which is when it was first released. The origins date back to the 16th century as a Welsh traditional Christmas carol that had English lyrics added to it in the mid 19th century. So for over a century this has been a classic festive sing along style song. Until 2023 when The Lumineers decided to make it all their own. And it is such an inspired original take that by the second or third line I found I did not even miss the sing along part. I just got lost in the inventiveness of this sparse yet eloquent acoustic interpretation which elevated this song from a carol to a classic in under two & half minutes.

Lums

The Lumineers: Jeremiah Fraites (L) and Wesley Schultz (R). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Lumineers: “Deck The Halls”  (2023, Traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 13

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Day 13A

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

Several years ago I heard an absolutely gorgeous song on a TV show which helped me discover the artist-Ryan O’Neal-who performs under the moniker, Sleeping At Last. That led me to his simply gorgeous take on today’s song which I have featured before. This year I found another incredibly beautiful version of that song by singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff.

I discovered her years ago courtesy of Linda Ronstadt who recorded three songs by Bonoff (“Lose Again”, “If He’s Ever Near” and “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me”, with the last two also featuring her on backing vocals) on 1976’s Hasten Down The Wind. Bonoff released those three songs on her self titled debut in 1977. In August 1982 she had her own Top 20 hit with “Personally”. Ronstadt’s 1989 duet with Aaron Neville, “All My Life”, was also written by Bonoff.

Over a decade later, I heard her stunning cover of “The Water Is Wide” when my favorite soap, “Another World” featured it during an episode in January 1997. And this week I finally heard her 2020 album, Silent Night. I love when Christmas comes early.

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Ryan O’Neal of Sleeping At Last. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

karla

Karla Bonoff circa 2020 from her website. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

Karla Bonoff: “The First Noel” (2020, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 12

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Day 12B

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

Today marks the 109th birth anniversary for The Chairman Of The Board. Born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915, the legendary Rat Pack member known for his talents as a singer and actor is considered to be one of the greatest entertainers to ever take a stage. Hoboken, New Jersey’s favorite son also remains one of the best selling artists in the world and his contributions to the holiday music genre-among other things-keep that legacy going. When I was growing up, it was not Christmas in my house until Sinatra’s seasonal songs made their yearly appearance. And I continue that tradition today.

frank 40s
Frank Sinatra
Frank 60s

Three eras of Sinatra: Top: The entertainer circa 1948. Middle: His 1957 Christmas album. Bottom: Ol’ Blue Eyes circa 1968. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Frank Sinatra: “Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)” (1948, traditional).

Frank Sinatra: “Christmas Waltz” (1957, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne).

Frank Sinatra: “Mistletoe and Holly” (1957, written by Hank Sanicola, Dok Stanford and Frank Sinatra).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 11

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Day 11 B

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

Brenda Lee turns 80 today. Born Brenda Mae Tarpley on December 11, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia she became a child performer who was crowned “Little Miss Dynamite” in 1957 at the age of 12 after her first hit record. A year later, she released today’s song which is her most well known recording followed by 1960’s “I’m Sorry” which was a #1 hit that year. To date Lee has sold 100 million records around the world.

Johnny Marks-the songwriter who gave us “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” (see Day 6) – wrote today’s song as well and it became the biggest song of Lee’s career. From that point it was also a seasonal staple, but received a revival of sorts 32 years later when it was featured in the 1990 Christmas movie, “Home Alone”. Last year Lee made a video for the song while she was lip synching to the original track in honor of its 65th anniversary, sending it to the top of the charts & making Lee the oldest artist to have a top-selling record.

Brenda 1958
Home Alone
Brenda now

Top: Brenda Lee in 1958. Middle: The “Home Alone” scene featuring Lee’s song. Bottom: Lee in 2023. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Today marks 60 years since we lost one of the greatest and most important voices in music. Sam Cooke was and remains vital to the many genres of music he contributed to from his time in gospel music with The Soul Stirrers, his solo secular career in R&B, soul, pop & mainstream music and his songs of social change.

The track he released in February 1964- which was reissued less than two weeks after his death-became an unofficial anthem for the civil rights movement. With all that is going on across the universe today and with a new year only three weeks away, his message advocating a better world remains as crucial as ever.

Sam Cooke: January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964.

Sam_Cooke_2

Sam Cooke circa 1963. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Brenda Lee: “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree” (1958, written by Johnny Marks)

The Soul Stirrers: “The Last Mile Of The Way” (1955, written by Sam Cooke).

Sam Cooke: “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964, written by Sam Cooke).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 10

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Day 10A

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

Another of my great musical loves, Otis Redding, left us with two fabulous Christmas songs before his death 57 years ago on December 10, 1967. I like to feature both tracks every year because, well, it is Otis Redding and two, because this man’s immense talent is just too incredible not to indulge in.

The first one was written by Irving Berlin and the most famous recording of it by Bing Crosby remains the best selling song of all time. Redding’s achingly impassioned vocal is the complete antithesis of Crosby’s signature crooner style, but the level of soul Redding offers makes his version an absolutely stunning event.

Otis-Redding

Otis Redding circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

For another take on this holiday staple, I am including a fabulous female version courtesy of Mrs. Elvis Costello, an incredible singer & performer in her own right.

Diana

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The second holiday track dates back to 1947. Redding recorded it sometime between 1966 & 1967 and it was released posthumously in 1968. It is another outstanding performance showcasing his vocal range & passion for a great song.

As if his own talent were not enough to make this song stand on its own, the fact that he and my constant, Bruce Springsteen, chose to record the same Christmas song shows their similar taste in music. In fact, he occasionally covers “Sweet Soul Music” as an encore at his legendary concerts, a song written by Redding & Arthur Conley, who originally recorded it in 1967. I was lucky enough to be present at one of The Boss’ show where he sang that track & that moment stands as one of the top highlights from all of the Bruce concerts I have attended over the years. I love both versions of this Christmas song so much I listen to them all year round. And I make no apologies for that.

bruce-springsteen-portrait-2023

Bruce Springsteen in a 2023 portrait from his website. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

Diana Krall featuring the The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: “White Christmas” (2005, written by Irving Berlin).

Otis Redding: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

Bruce Springsteen: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1986, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 9

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Day 9

A scene from The Peanuts Christmas special. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered 59 years ago on December 9, 1965. The story about CB’s despondent mood over the commercialism of the season and the gang’s reaction over his choice of Christmas tree which just wilted as he tried his best to give it some sparkle made it seem as if he had little hope of enjoying the holiday.

Enter the sage & gentle Linus who knew the tree just needed a little love & that CB just needed a reminder about what Christmas is really all about. Linus delivered that message through an eloquent recitation from the Book of Luke. It remains an absolutely perfect holiday special complete with an innovative and delightful soundtrack with six tracks written exclusively for the show including today’s song, which is my favorite.

Day 9A dancing
Day 9 B dog house
Day 9 C group singing

Three iconic scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney contributed a captivating & light jazzy version of today’s song in 1996 courtesy of her third holiday album, White Christmas. The Girl Singer was featured in the 1954 movie of the same name and throughout her five decade career, she gifted us with incredible music. In 1994 she made a special TV guest appearance on “ER” alongside her nephew, George Clooney.

Rosemary 1954
George and Rosemary

Top: Rosemary Clooney in a still from the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”. Bottom: Clooney (R) with her nephew, George (L) in 1994 on the set of his show, “ER”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

Rosemary Clooney: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1996, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 8

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Day 8A

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

Today is a unique day in music. It is the birth anniversary for Jim Morrison-born in 1943-and the day we lost John Lennon in 1980. He & The Beatles helped start The British Invasion in the mid 1960’s while Morrison & The Doors basically ended it with the release of their debut album in January 1967. Two immense iconic & legendary performers who were so much alike yet so different in their approaches to music, life and love.

JM

Jim Morrison circa 1969. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One of ways Lennon offered not only those things but hope as well was through his holiday message delivered through song in 1971. The world was changing through politics, culture and war and in need of something that could put everyone on the same page. And 53 years later, with the world sadly in the same dark place, Lennon’s voice still offers some light. Thank you, John. You are missed. Every. Single. Day.

John Lennon

John Lennon circa 1969. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Several other artists have covered today’s song including Sarah McLachlan who included her version on her 2006 holiday album, Wintersong. In the spirit of Lennon’s original, she also included a child’s choir on backing vocals courtesy of the Children’s and Youth Choirs of the Music Outreach Program at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SarahMcLachlanWintersong

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

John Lennon & Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band with The Harlem Community Choir: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (1971, written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono).

Sarah McLachlan: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (2006, written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 7

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Day 7

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

Thomas Alan Waits turns 75 today. Born December 7, 1949 in Pomona, California, I have been a fan ever since Bruce Springsteen covered “Jersey Girl” and I was stunned to discover it was not written by The Boss himself. Waits has made a career out of writing about the invisible people we pass in our lives everyday and reminds us that we all deserve a place in this world. And even if his words were not delivered in his signature distinctive gravelly voice, the beauty of his songs would still get the message across in an unforgettable way.

waits
Silent Tom 1
Silent Tom 2

Top: Tom Waits circa 2008. Middle & Bottom: The 1989 import featuring Waits version of today’s song. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

In 1989 Waits recorded a holiday song with S.O.S. United-a music project started by Austrian film composer Harald Kloser-which featured a choir of children from 15 countries across four continents. The contrast of their smooth young voices with Waits’ rough gritty one is just mesmerizing. It’s like listening to a man who has had his faith restored in the season when he was not even aware it had left him.

For a female take on today’s Christmas classic, I present the incomparable Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

aretha-july-2011-e1522032002613

Photo taken by me at the f/k/a Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, NY in July 2011.

Tom Waits: “Silent Night” (1989, written by Franz Xaver Gruber).

Aretha Franklin: “Silent Night” (2008, written by Franz Xaver Gruber).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!