Tag Archives: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 12

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Francis Albert Sinatra was born 110 years ago on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. The singer, actor & entertainer known as “The Chairman Of The Board” and as a member of The Rat Pack, started his career as a big band vocalist in the swing era when he was 24 years old. In 1946 he released his debut album, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, which started his 52 year career in music, movies, stage & the small screen.

He won numerous awards & honors throughout his career including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Private Angelo Maggio in 1953’s “From Here to Eternity”. His songs reached the charts over 40 times including two #1 records-“Strangers In The Night” in 1966 and “Something Stupid”, a duet with his daughter, Nancy Sinatra, in 1967.

All that and his bigger than life persona gave him legendary pop culture status that flourishes today, more than 25 years after his death in 1998. He also remains a staple of the holiday season, having contributed several Christmas albums including two collaborations, one with Bing Crosby and Fred Waring in 1964 and another with the three Sinatra children in 1968.

Francis Albert Sinatra: December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998.

Frank Sinatra circa 1958. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack standing in the order they are listed on a Las Vegas marquee circa 1964. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Frank Sinatra’s three children joined him for this 1968 Christmas album (L-R): Tina Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra Jr. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

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

Frank Sinatra: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1957, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

Frank Sinatra: “The Christmas Waltz” (1968, 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 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.

Paul C

(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 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!!!

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 2021: Day 2

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

card

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Anything Rosemary Clooney sang was so beautiful, but there was such an elegance to the holiday tunes she recorded. I think today’s song is probably her best. Judy Garland’s original is wonderful, too, but Clooney’s take just gives me such joy.

“Through the years
We’ll always be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough“.

rosemary

Rosemary Clooney in a still from the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1996, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

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!!!

Christmas Song Of The Day #9

Posted in Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Here we are one week away from Christmas!!!  Hope you are all taking time for yourselves in the midst of all the hustle and bustle.  Let me help that cause with another fabulous Christmas tune!!!

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Source:  goldenglow.org

It’s no secret I love most types of music, and as much as I love rock & roll from the 1950’s, the big band singers of that era and earlier literally make me swoon.  One sound of this woman’s voice and I picture myself in the kitchen in a pretty dress complete with apron and pearls making dinner for my husband, a man who never leaves the house without his hat or his pipe.   🙂

Pick any one of her songs and I dare you not to fall in love with an era gone by-one that was romantic,  innocent and free of the computer tricks used today to push product over purpose.  Whether it is “Tenderly“, “When October Goes“, “Come On-A My House“, “Mambo Italiano” or “Sisters” (from the “White Christmas” movie), one listen to any of these classics and it is clear who the voice is behind these gems:  Rosemary “Rosie” Clooney.

My favorite Christmas song by her is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.  I do love Judy Garland’s version too, but it is Clooney’s voice that immediately transports me to a time I never knew but adore.

Let us also not forget that this woman got to hold, kiss and cuddle her nephew George Clooney as an infant.  Maybe she even powdered his baby tush!!!  Not even Amal can say that!!!  🙂

Rosemary_Clooney[1]

Source:  vintageradioclassics.com

I do not own the rights to anything, I am just sharing some of my favorite music with you.

Enjoy!!!