Category Archives: Christmas

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 5

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 5 2022

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

Time to add some soul to the countdown. Today’s song is another well loved classic but this one dates back to the middle of the 19th century. It is based on the French poem “Minuit, chrétiens” (“Midnight, Christians”) by Placide Cappeau & was set to music by fellow Frenchman, composer Adolphe Adam.

In 1855 it was translated to English by American classical music critic, John Sullivan Dwight. Both versions of the song celebratate the religious aspect of the holiday. And today’s R&B master recorded my favorite male rendition of this track in 1983. It is just stunning.

“Led by the light
of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by
His cradle we stand“.

Al 1

Al 2

The front & back of Al Greeb’s 1983 albun, “White Christmas”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Al Green: “O Holy Night” (1983, written by written by Adolphe Charles Adam and John Sullivan Dwight).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 4

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 4 2022

A vintage circa 1950 Napco Christmas figurine. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s artist is described on his website as having a “life and philosophy (that) is the embodiment of the Great American Story”. And that tale is one incredibly talented & gifted one that has spanned a remarkable 96 years to date. The website also names this man as one of only a few artists to have new albums on the charts in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and the first two decades of this current millenium. And those records have been in a variety of musical genres including swing, jazz, big band, pop, The Great American Songbook and holiday tunes like today’s classic. It is nearly 80 years old but it is still a holiday staple.

This song was first recorded for the 1944 film, “Meet Me in St. Louis” and was originally performed by today’s singer’s favorite vocalist, an incompreble artist who was the original all around entertainer who sang, dance, acted & performed live every chance she got. She was born 100 years ago but it is still hailed as one of the best artists of all time. Both versions of this song are so utterly perfect I have included both of them for you to enjoy.

“Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more“.

Tony Bennett

Top: Tony Bennett on the cover of his 1987 album, Bennett/Berlin. Bottom: Judy Garland in a scene from the 1944 film, “Meet Me In St. Louis”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Tony Bennett: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1968, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

Judy Garland: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1944. written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 3

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 3 2022

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I was introduced to today’s singer in 2007 when her huge hit, “Bleeding Love“, was everywhere. Soon after I saw a video of her knock out version of “Whole Lotta Love” with Led Zeppelin’s very own Jimmy Page at the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing. But it was not until earlier this week that I heard today’s song which was released in 2013. Modern holiday songs are usually hit or miss but this is one that I found quite enjoyable.

Leona Lewis

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Leona Lewis: “One More Sleep” (2013, written by Jez Ashurst, Bradford Ellis, Iain James, Leona Lewis and Richard “Biff” Stannard).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 2

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 1

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday’s song was by Elton John who is retiring from the road. Well, as one legend leaves the live stage, another one has returned to it in an incredibly triumphant way. Joni Mitchell performed at the Newport Folk Festival this summer after years of recovery from a medical event. It was a glorious moment for her and those of us who have followed her career and believed in her words, music, talent and artistry.

I learned she was slowly making her way back over the last few years by hosting “Joni Jams” in the living room of her home to play with many of her famous friends. Now Mitchell has announced some show dates for 2023. And on the subject of Elton John again, he hosted an episode of his Rocket Hour show last month right from Mitchell’s house. It is an absolutely delightful interview in which John pointed out “music brought her back to life”. Amen. Say it with me: Music is the answer.

Today’s pick is one of Mitchell’s most beloved and most covered tracks. I love the original version she recorded for her 1971 album, Blue. It was reissued last year for its 50th anniversary and went to #1. My absolute favorite cover of this track was recorded by actor Robert Downey Jr. in 2000 for his role as Larry Paul on “Ally McBeal”. It has a cello arrangement that is absolutely exquisite. In the spirit of this giving season, I am presenting both for your enjoyment.

Welcome back, Joni Mitchell. We missed you.

“It’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace“.

Joni

robert downey jr

Top: Joni Mitchell on stage at the Newport Folk Festival in July 2022. Bottom: Robert Downey Jr. circa 2000. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Joni Mitchell: “River” (1971, written by Joni Mitchell).

Robert Downey Jr.: “River” (2000, written by Joni Mitchell).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 1

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Happy December, everybody!!!

December

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We have officially arrived at the Christmas season so what better way to celebrate this festive time of year than with a daily countdown of great holiday songs to usher in the big day. All are welcome even if you are not a fan of this genre or you do not observe the holiday. Great music of any kind should be enjoyed by all.

We begin with an iconic artist who held his final U.S. concert last month at Dodger Stadium in California. It was also livestreamed so anyone who wanted to could watch the show that closed the American leg of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour. From the first time I heard “Daniel” I was completely enamoured with Sir Elton Hercules John and his impossibly prolific, eloquent & poignant lyricist, Bernie Taupin. It was one of the first records I ever bought for myself and John’s 1974 “Greatest Hits” compilation was the first album I ever owned. I have loved, adored and worshiped him for my entire life.

He has been a vital part of music and culture from day one. His artistry, his philanthropy, his 1997 Princess Diana tribute song, his foray into songs for film & Broadway and his own 2019 biopic, “Rocketman”, confirmed his legendary status while continuing his reign as one of the greatest artists of all time.

Even though my reverence for John knows no bounds, I have not been able to bring myself to watch his last concert yet. As happy as I am for him that he has found such pleasure and contentment in his personal life with his husband and two sons, the idea of never attending another one of his shows just crushes my heart. It is a chapter I just do not want to close. But John deserves every blessing in life for his mere existence in this world for all the sublime music he has bestowed upon the world for over 50 years. His melodies & Taupin’s lyrics are love, light, hope & joy defined.

EJ 1975

ej 1975 B

EJ 2022

ej 2022 B

Top: Two images from Elton John’s 1975 concert at Dodger Stadium. Bottom: John’s last show in America at the same stadium in November 2022. The last photo shows John on stage the night of the show when he was joined on stage by his two sons and husband, David Furnish. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elton John: “Step Into Christmas” (1973,written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 25

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 25

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. May you find comfort in the peace, joy & meaning of the season.

“He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love“.

dolly

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Dolly Parton: “Joy To The World” (1990, Traditional).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 24

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 24

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The first volume of A Very Special Christmas came out in 1987. The proceeds went to the Special Olympics but it also introduced the world to obscure performances of holiday songs by some of music’s most notable performers. Thanks to the third volume in the series released in 1997, I discovered today’s track. It felt like 1988 all over again, which was the first time I heard the singer’s beautiful delicate contralto voice on her deeply moving debut single, “Fast Car”. Her take on today’s song is just as poignant and evocative, perfect for this Christmas Eve day.

“A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn’“.

Tracy

Tracy Chapman circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tracy Chapman: “O Holy Night” (1997, written by Adolphe Charles Adam and John Sullivan Dwight).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 23

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

silver bells

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I try to present a variety of songs & artists every year on this countdown to make it as fun and diverse as possible. However, I do struggle each December to pick just one song by Elvis Presley. He recorded so many holiday tunes and each one was absolutely glorious. This year was a little easier because this track was one of the first seasonal songs I heard on the radio this year. As soon as I did I realized it was the feature for 2021. All hail The King, especially at Christmas time.

“City sidewalks busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a
Feeling of Christmas”.

Elvis

Santa meets Elvis circa 1958. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvis Presley: “Silver Bells” (1971, written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 22

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 22

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s song is one of the defining songs of the Christmas season. No matter how many other renditions there are of this tune, none can compare to this man’s most popular interpretation recorded in 1961. What would this holiday even look like without Nat King Cole?

“And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you“.

NatKingCole

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

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

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 21

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 21

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This year the iconic Tony Bennett announced his retirement at age 95 after a 70 year career. To say this news left an enormous hole in the hearts & minds of his fans, not to mention the music industry, is an understatement. Despite his age the magic of his glorious melodic expressive voice never waned. That fact rings true in today’s song which he recorded in 2008.

When Frank Sinatra called Bennett “the best singer in the business”, it put him at a place of honor that no one else could ever compare with. But even without The Chairman Of The Board’s declaration, one listen to any performance by Bennett proves his skill, talent & worth. We owe an incredible debt to him for what he gave us over the years not only in music but in artistry, humanity, history, pop culture and grace. Thank you for everything, Anthony Dominick Benedetto.

“It’s that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas“.

Tony

Tony Bennett circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Tony Bennett: “The Christmas Waltz” (2008, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!