Tag Archives: 25 Days Of Christmas Music

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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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(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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 5

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Day 5

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

Today’s song is on my list every year and I make no apologies for that. The original version is by the beautiful and legendary singer/songwriter who started off the year by winning her 10th Grammy Award for Best Folk Album for Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live]. That record captured her musical comeback in 2023 after a medical crisis and she has not slowed down since. Her songs continue to endure and resonate more than five decades after the release of her 1968 debut album, Song To A Seagull, as does today’s song which debuted in 1971.

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Joni Mitchell on stage at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Out of all the cover versions out there of today’s song, the one I adore the most is by a man who also started 2024 off with an award. In his case it was the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer”. He was also nominated for the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for his role as as Claude in “The Sympathizer”. He ended the year with a return to Broadway after nearly 40 years to star in the title role of the new play by Ayad Akhtar, “McNeal”.

I have been a fan of RDJ’s since I saw him in the 1986 comedy, “Back To School”, and have followed him since. I think one of his best roles was as Larry Paul in “Ally McBeal” where he performed today’s song in 2000 during season 4, episode 6, “‘Tis The Season”. His sharp and elegant vocals are paired with a truly haunting and exquisite cello arrangement that is one of the most beautiful musical moments I have ever heard.

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Robert Downey Jr. on stage at The 96th Academy Awards ceremony after his win for Best Supporting Actor in March 2024. (Image found online.  Original source 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 2024: Day 4

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Santa 3

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

Today’s song turned 90 years old last month & is still a cherished track for the Christmas season. It was written in 1934, recorded first by Harry Reser and His Orchestra but it did not reach the masses until American actor & comedian Eddie Cantor performed it on his radio show in November that year. In the 1940’s it was covered by performers like Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters. By the 1960’s, a few vocal groups recorded versions of their own including The Crystals.

Harry
Crystals

Top: A pressing of the first recording of today’s song. Bottom: The 1963 Christmas album featuring The Crystals. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

But the song’s big breakthrough came in 1970 thanks to the Rankin/Bass production team who turned it into an all star holiday animation special in 1970 starring Fred Astaire as the mailman/storyteller as well as the voice behind the theme song, Keenan Wynn as the Winter Warlock and Mickey Rooney as the voice of Santa Claus. It remains a Christmas tradition for anyone who grew up watching it.

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Fred 2

 Two scenes from the Rankin/Bass 1970 holiday special. Top: Fred Astaire’s mailman/narrator character. Bottom: A young Kris Kringle in his early days as The Man In The Big Red Suit (with one of his pet besties at his side). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

In December 1975, an up & coming rock star from New Jersey decided to perform his own take on the song in front of a college concert crowd on Long Island, NY. However, it did not hit the radio airwaves until 1981. In 1985, it was released as the B-side on the seventh single from his phenomenal album, “Born In The USA”, which turned the 10 year old recording into a holiday staple ever since.

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Top: Bruce Springsteen’s 1985 single. Bottom: My perpetual Christmas list. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

In 2003’s incredibly delightful holiday move, “Elf”, the song helped bring power to Santa’s sleigh when Buddy’s love interest, Jovie, led a sing-a-long in Central Park to remind people that a little faith can make dreams happen.

Jovie
Buddy

Two scenes from 2003’s “Elf”. Top: Zooey Deschanel as Jovie. Bottom: Will Ferrell as Buddy and Ed Asner as Santa. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Crystals: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” (1963, written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie).

Fred Astaire: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” (1970, written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie).

Bruce Springsteen: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” (1981 & 1985, recorded live at C.W. Post College in Brookville, NY on December 12, 1975, written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas 2024: Day 3

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Day 3

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.

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Dolly 2

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.

Rod
rod and

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!!!