Tag Archives: 25 Days Of Christmas Music

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 2

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 2

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

Eighty years ago a Christmas classic was born when the film, “Meet Me In St. Louis” premiered in November 1944. The Vincent Minelli directed romantic musical gave us a few memorable songs from its star, Judy Garland, including a brand new holiday one that has endured for eight decades. And she gave this beautiful gift to the world a mere five years after she graced us with “Over The Rainbow”. Garland was an absolute wonder.

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Top: Judy Garland in “Meet Me In St. Louis”. Middle: A promotional ad for the 1944 movie. Bottom: Mary O’Brien (L), a snowman & Garland in a publicity picture for the movie. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Over six decades later, today’s song was the fourth track on Paul Carrack’s 2005 holiday album, Winter Wonderland (a/k/a A Soulful Christmas). It features ten beloved classics and a new spin on “Beautiful World”, the title song from his 1997 release. The combination of his soulful voice & the moderately paced tempo of the jazzy arrangement gives today’s holiday staple such a fresh, lively and fun feel I usually find myself moving right along with the beat. I have been fascinated with Carrack’s voice since the first time I heard the 1974 Ace classic, “How Long”, and his Christmas album lets me indulge in that obsession by giving him a place of honor on my holiday playlist.

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(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

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

Paul Carrack & The SWR Big Band: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (2005, 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 2024: Day 1

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Happy December, everybody!!! Welcome to 25 Days of Christmas Music!

Day 1 2024

(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. I would love to hear about your favorite Christmas songs, so please share them with me in the comments.

Ten years ago David Letterman announced he would retire from his late night show effective May 2015. In addition to everything that implied, it meant 2014 was the last time the tradition of this performance would take place. And Dave pulled out all the stops to make it as spectacular as possible. Here is my summary of that moment as posted on Day 278 of my Lockdown Countdown:

Six days before Christmas in 2014, I was still struggling with David Letterman’s decision to retire from “The Late Show” the following year when the moment I knew was coming arrived: The last appearance from Darlene Love to sing today’s song. It was a long standing holiday tradition dating back to 1986 (then on “Late Night With David Letterman” on NBC) for Love to come on and tear the roof of the place with her mighty voice every December. It was as much a part of my Christmas traditions as watching The Peanuts dance during the rehearsals for their holiday play. So the end of this era was going to hurt big time.

But Letterman was always a class act on his show and this night was no exception. He pulled out all the stops and had the entire stage set up for Love’s song. There was a huge gorgeous tree & other sparkly decorations, a full band complete with horns, strings & ten back up singers with everyone dressed in their holiday best. Paul Shaffer played a decorated grand piano which Love stood upon to sing the second half of the song as well as the encore. The performance closed out that night’s episode as a reign of faux snow fell down on everyone present. It was one of the show’s truly bittersweet moments for everyone involved including broken-hearted fans like me. And I remember that moment & how great it felt to be a member of Dave’s world every time I hear this song. U2 does a great version, too, but even Bono’s unbelievable voice is no match for the power of Love.

“They’re singing Deck The Halls
But it’s not like Christmas at all
I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year“.

Dave and Darlene 2014
2015
U2 circa 1987

Top: Darlene Love as David Letterman’s guest performer in December 2014. Middle: Love on top of the piano during her traditional performance that year. Bottom: U2 circa 1987 (L-R): Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr, Bono and The Edge. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Darlene Love & The CBS Orchestra: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (2014, 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 25

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Merry Christmas to all. Have a wonderful holiday however you choose to spend it. I hope you enjoyed the 2023 edition of 25 Days Of Christmas Music. It was a pleasure to share them with you.

Here is my message from 2020 which I feel is just as relevant now:  

I usually reserve “Joy To The World” for today, and despite the fact that it is indeed a joyous holiday, for this year I thought a song about peace would serve us all better. For our minds & bodies, for our hearts and spirits, for our country & our world, may “peace on earth, good will towards men” begin on this Christmas Day and await us all in the new year.

Thank you for being here over the last 12 months. I truly appreciate it. All the best in 2024.  

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Bing Crosby (L) and David Bowie (R) in 1977. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bing Crosby and David Bowie: ”Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy” ( (Recorded live during “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” TV special in 1977. “The Little Drummer Boy” written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. “Peace On Earth” written by Ian Fraser, Larry Grossman and Alan Kohan in 1977).

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 24

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the count down.

Blog day 24

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

The holiest night of the year is upon us. In honor of Christmas Eve, I offer his & her versions of the song that celebrates this event which were recorded 25 years apart by a Queen and a Reverend. 

“Silent night holy night
All is calm all is bright
’Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace“.

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Top: The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in an undated photo. Bottom: The Reverend Al Green in the 1970’s. 

(Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

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

Al Green: ”Silent Night” (1983, written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 23

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 23

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

We may have lost actor Ryan O’Neal earlier this month, but the singer by the same name is luckily alive and well. Better known by the name of his musical project, Sleeping At Last, his sparse yet unbelievably elegant arrangements showcase his beautiful and unique voice perfectly. From the first time I heard “Touch” on “Grey’s Anatomy”, I knew this man had a way with music that is the complete antithesis of the auto tune world which has become so prevalent of late. And O’Neal’s take on today’s Christmas song is an extraordinary example of his talent.  

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

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

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 22

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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My very own grown up Christmas list. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The film “Philadelphia” was released 30 years ago today on December 22, 1993. The groundbreaking movie earned over $200 million and became one of the highest-grossing films of that year. It also gave Bruce Springsteen his first Oscar nomination and win for Best Original Song in 1994 for “Streets Of Philadelphia”.

The track also earned the New Jersey native four Grammy Awards the same year as well: Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture Or For Television, Best Rock Song, Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and Song Of The Year. If Born In The USA turned him into a megastar, his Academy Award secured his status as a legend. Merry Christmas, Bossman.  

Bruce
Bruce 2

Top: The sleeve for the single with today’s song as the B-side. Bottom: A festive Bossman. 

(Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Santa Claus Is Coming 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 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

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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“.

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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 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.

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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!!!