25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 21

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 21

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

I always associated today’s song with the original “Lethal Weapon” movie from 1987 (Mel Gibson = swoon). But after the 2004 release of “Mean Girls”, there is no way not to think about the Winter Talent Show scene and recall the shock of Cady’s parents to the suggestive moves their daughter & her friends used while dancing to this song. Or how Amy Poehler’s character thrusted right along with them while filming the performance from the audience. Whether you swoon or smile when you hear this song, I hope it is a good memory. If not, watch the two movies I referenced above. I promise they are worth it.  

Lethal

mean
bobby

Top: Mel Gibson (L) and Danny Glover (R) in 1987’s “Lethal Weapon”. Middle: The “Mean Girls” at the talent show (L-R): Lacey Chabert, Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried. Bottom: Bobby Helms’ 1957 single. 

(Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bobby Helms: ”Jingle Bell Rock” (1957, written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe). 

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 20

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 20

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

We have several versions of a definitive holiday song today, from the well known classic recording to a superb cover by another crooner to a Motown rendition that is absolutely wonderful to a female spin that is top notch. There are many more ways to say “Merry Christmas To You” but I think these four renditions are amongst the best. 

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos“.

Nat
tony
temps
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Top: Nat King Cole circa 1960. Middle 1: Tony Bennett circa 1962. Middle 2: The Temptations in an undated photo. Top row, from left, Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards and Eddie Kendricks. Bottom row, Melvin Franklin, left, and Paul Williams. Credit:  Paul W. Bailey/NBC, via Getty Images. Bottom: Linda Ronstadt in the 1970’s. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

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

Tony Bennett: “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” (1968, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

The Temptations: ”The Christmas Song” (Lead vocal by Otis Williams. 1970, written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells).

Linda Ronstadt: ”The Christmas Song” (2000, 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 2023: Day 19

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 19

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

It is time for another his & her take on a holiday tune. Today’s song was published in 1945. Frank Sinatra recorded his version five years later. It reached #45 on the Holiday 100 chart. In 1959, his fellow Rat Pack buddy Dean Martin recorded his cover and it hit #6 on that chart plus it went to #8 on the mainstream Hot 100 singles chart. It appears to be the best selling version of this song. And as of today’s date (12/19/23), 64 years after its initial release, it is at the #10 spot in the country. Just one more reason why Martin was known as The King Of Cool. 

Country star Martina McBride’s version was on her 1998 album, White Christmas. I have always been taken by the beauty and the power of her voice but on today’s song, it is just pure fun. A perfect mood for the season. 

dean
Martina

(Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Dean Martin: ”Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (1959, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne). 

Martina McBride: ”Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” ( 1998, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 18

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 18

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

The Ronettes released today’s song in 1963, so it is another holiday classic turning 60 years old. This track is from the album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, which featured a collection of his artists performing seasonal songs. One of Darlene Love’s contributions from it was shared on Day 13 (she recorded a total of four for the album) which is my favorite from the record, but the Ronettes’ tune is right behind it. Ronnie Spector’s voice is so unique and strong, and when combined with her group members the result is magical.

For some history and variety, I am also sharing the original track by one of the composers along with another of my favorite versions by The Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. It is unbelievably wonderful, festive and adds a flair of sophistication to the season. But when doesn’t Lady Ella make things that much better? 

“Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We’re snuggled up together like two
Birds of a feather would be“.

Ronettes
Leroy
ella-fitzgerald-albums

Top: The Ronettes in 1963. Middle: Composer Leroy Anderson. Bottom: The beautiful Lady Ella. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Ronettes: “Sleigh Ride” (1963, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

Leroy Anderson: “Sleigh Ride” (1950, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 17

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 17

An adorable rustic Christmas tree with vintage Shiny Brite ornaments featured in Country Home Magazine.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

For someone who has loved-worshipped, actually-music her whole life, I had no idea until this year that classic Christmas songs could chart in the Billboard Hot 100. I do not know why I did not realize it, as many old songs have made the charts again when their songs were introduced to a new crowd by way of a TV show or movie (like Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” after it was featured in the 1986 movie of the same name). I always thought holiday songs had their own chart (which they do). 

The #1 song in the country right now on both charts is Brenda Lee’s “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree“, which was recorded in 1958. It got a boost when the 79 year old singer introduced a video for the song last month in honor of the 65th anniversary of its release (she is now the oldest artist to have a top-selling record).

There are five more holiday songs currently in the Top Ten, including today’s first pick which is #6. It is from the iconic Rankin-Bass TV special, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Every song on that 1964 soundtrack was written by Johnny Marks, the same man who wrote Lee’s tune. What an incredible legacy to have such a hold on the holiday. 

The two songs from the “Rudolph” soundtrack which have been my favorites forever were both sung by the wise dapper snowman, Sam. Voiced by the Burl Ives, I wait for the first of today’s songs to consider it to be the official start of the Christmas season (along with Bruce’s take on another TV special song). The second of Sam’s songs is a bonus in a very big way. Watching the nearly 60 year old special & singing along to the same songs I sang along with as a child is both a comfort and bittersweet memory of a time when all was right in my world.

Ives and Marks 2
sam the snowman

Top: Burl Ives (L) and songwriter Johnny Marks (R) circa 1964. Bottom: Ives’ Christmas alter ego, Sam The Snowman. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

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

Burl Ives: ”Silver and Gold” (1964, written by Johnny Marks). 

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 16

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 16

A beautiful rustic Christmas tree decorated with a lovely assortment of neutral ornaments featured in Country Living Magazine.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s song is another sing along favorite that has been covered dozens of times. My favorite is by Ray Charles so what’s not to love? Plus, his version is featured in two of my favorite movies: ”When Harry Met Sally” and “Elf”. 

This year I discovered another incredible take on this tune by Irish singer, songwriter & musician Hozier. His stripped down acoustic cover is really beautiful. I have been a fan of his from the first time I heard his extraordinary song, “Like Real People Do” from his self-titled debut in 2014. 

For a female slant on today’s track, I have also included the 1987 cover courtesy of The Eurythmics led by Annie Lennox’s gorgeous voice. One thing about this season is that we may hear the same tunes again and again, but when you have a variety of voices to choose from, it is like hearing an old song for the first time. And I adore that feeling. 

“Sleigh bells ring are you listening
In the lane snow is glistening
A beautiful sight we’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland“.

ray
eurythmics
Hozier

Top: Ray Charles’ 1985 Christmas album. Middle: The Eurythmics in the 1980’s: Annie Lennox and David Stewart. Bottom: Hozier in 2019. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Ray Charles: “Winter Wonderland” (1985, written by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith).

The Eurythmics: “Winter Wonderland” (1987, written by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith).

Hozier: “Winter Wonderland” (2020, written by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 15

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 15

A beautiful rustic Christmas tree inside an old food tin featured in Country Living Magazine. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s pick is one of my favorite Christmas songs but I hardly hear it during the holiday season which absolutely baffles me. My favorite version of it was recorded by the transcendent Anthony Dominick Benedetto, better known as Tony Bennett. We lost this beautiful man earlier this year, but thanks to a career spanning 70 years, we will thankfully never be without his legacy or his voice. 

In addition to his numerous mainstream recordings, he released a few holiday albums as well. I love them all but today’s song is from 2008’s A Swingin’ Christmas (Featuring The Count Basie Big Band). However, anything by this legend should be on your playlist if you consider yourself to be a music connoisseur. And for a female take on this classic, the best one I have found is by Rosemary Clooney, of course.  

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

Tony Bennett 1
Tony 2
tony 3
Tony 4
Tony Diana
Tony Rosemary

1. Tony Bennett in his early career days circa late 1950’s, early 1960’s. 2. Bennett circa 2000. 3. With Frank Sinatra sometime in the 1970’s. 4. With Amy Winehouse for their collaboration on 2011’s Duets II. 5. With Diana Krall for their 2018 album. 6. Bennett and Clooney in 1950 (this photo by CBS via Getty Images). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

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

Rosemary Clooney: ”The Christmas Waltz” (1996, written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 14

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Blog day 14

A beautiful rustic Christmas tree with pinecones galore featured in Country Living Magazine. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s song was first recorded in 1947 by the band of one of the songwriter’s, Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers. The lead vocal is by singer & pianist Charles Brown, who went on to co-write and sing another successful holiday hit as a solo artist with “Please Come Home For Christmas” in 1960. 

My favorite version of today’s track is by my great love, Bruce Springsteen, released as part of 1987’s compilation album, A Very Special Christmas (it was also the B-side to his cover of “War” of all tracks in 1986). His rendition is followed closely by the cover by my other great musical love, Otis Redding. No surprise there. But I got so comfortable with these three renditions, I did not look for any others. Until this year. And what a shock to find two more unbelievably great versions by two unequivocal music legends.

Tina Turner recorded hers in 1964 when she was singing with her first husband. It is a rousing, funky, powerful no holds barred rendition delivered in a way only Tina could. Needless to say, it is glorious. We may have lost this force of a woman earlier this year, but finding this gem of a cover proves that music is the gift that just keeps giving, no matter how long it takes to find it.   

The King took on this song for himself as well. His website calls his version “as unlikely as it was welcome in the antiseptically “wonderful world of Christmas” and is that ever an understatement. I was so used to hearing the ballads and rock inspired tunes by Elvis, not to mention his gospel tracks, that this just reminded me why he is called The King. There was nothing-NOTHING-he could not sing, including a bluesy piano & guitar driven version of a great old Christmas tune. Shame on me for not finding it until 2023, but thank goodness I finally did. 

All five renditions are below for you to choose your favorite. And if you cannot choose, you have five great additions to your seasonal playlist.  

Johnny Moore
Tina circa 1973
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Picture 1: Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers. Picture 2: Tina Turner circa 1973. Picture 3: The jacket for Otis Redding’s 1968 holiday release. Picture 4: The jacket to Elvis Presley’s 1971 holiday single. Picture 5: The Boss in a festive mood in an undated picture. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers: ”Merry Christmas Baby” (1947, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore. Lead vocal by Charles Brown.) 

Ike and Tina Turner: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1964, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

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

Elvis Presley: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1971, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: “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 2023: Day 13

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

country living mag

A beautiful rustic Christmas tree in a wash tub with the trimmings all around featured in Country Living Magazine. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Late Show With David Letterman may have ended in 2015, but his wonderful yearly tradition of sharing today’s song with all of us continues here. Darlene Love recorded the track 60 years ago for the album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector. She has been performing it on Dave’s shows for decades and it was one of the greatest parts for me and millions of others each December. The edgier rock themed version by U2 is fabulous, too.  

dave darlene paul
2015
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Top: A Dave sandwich from Darlene Love (L) and Paul Shaffer in 2013. Middle 1: Letterman pulled out all the stops for Love’s final holiday performance in 2015. Middle 2: Phil Spector’s 1963 Christmas album featuring Love’s original track. Bottom: U2 in the holiday spirit, albeit probably a photoshopped mood. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Darlene Love: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (1963, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector).

U2: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (1987, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 12

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Francis Albert Sinatra-better known as Frank Sinatra, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” or “The Chairman Of The Board”- was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, NJ. To this day, he defines an era of the lavish lifestyle in the glamour filled days of old Hollywood as an actor, singer, entertainer and a member of the Rat Pack.

He recorded today’s song 75 years ago in 1948 only four years after it was featured in the film, “Meet Me In St. Louis” where it was performed by Judy Garland. I have included both for you today for some his and her variety. And because both are spectacular.

“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“.

frank and judy

Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland from an undated photo circa late 1940’s or early 1950’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Frank Sinatra: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1948, 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!!!