Tag Archives: Jules Bass

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 19

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 19 2022

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

Today’s track is from the 1964 beloved timeless TV special, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”. While the title character is the star of the show and completely adorable, the one narrating the story is who I adore most. He is wise, eloquent, kind & musical. All the traits I admire in someone-or in this case, something. His performances are the highlight of the show for me every year.

“Rudolph” was one of several holiday specials from the production team of Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment which formed in 1960 and operated until 1987. They also gave us “The Little Drummer Boy” in 1968, “Frosty The Snowman” in 1969 and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” in 1970. Arthur Rankin Jr.  died in 2014 at the age of 89 and Jules Bass died this past October at age 87.

Both men are ingrained in Christmas & pop culture history. They are beloved by anyone who watched or continues to watch their specials each and every year. Those yearly broadcasts continue to “make the season bright” for anyone who calls December “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Thank you, Mr. Rankin Jr. and Mr. Bass.

“Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer“.

Sam Snowman

Top: Arthur Rankin Jr. (L) and Jules Bass (R) circa 1969. Bottom: The dapper & loveable Sam The Snowman from 1964’s “Rudolph” special. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

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

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Christmas Song Countdown #15

Posted in Christmas, Music by

Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown!!!

chistmas-music-ornament

Courtesy:  Tea Green Chandelier

 

It is hard for me to believe that the same team behind the “Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer” TV special-Arthur Rankin, Jr. & Jules Bass-also came up with the story for the special based on today’s song, which was first recorded in 1951.  Perhaps one of them worked for Walt Disney at some point because he seemed to enjoy creating stories around subjects who lost parents.

The main character of this special is an orphan, so I do not enjoy watching this Christmas show at all.  I remember it being on our TV set year after year when I was a kid, but between the sad story and the operatic version of the song used in the special, I preferred to go to bed early rather than suffer through the show one more time.

But then I heard the song as a duet between Bing Crosby and the beautiful talented man we lost earlier this year-David Bowie (read my tribute here)-and suddenly the song was no longer the bane of my existence (I still hate the TV special, however.  The story of an orphan is not Christmas fare EVER, even if that orphan got to play his drum for the Baby Jesus!!!  A lot of kids with parents play the drum, too!!!)

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David Bowie & Bing Crosby (original source unknown)

 

Over the years I have heard other fantastic recordings of this song, but today’s pick is my favorite.  Why?  Because it’s by Ray Charles.  No other explanation necessary.

Ray Charles:  The Little Drummer Boy

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, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

 

10-shabby-chic-vase-decoration

 

Courtesy:  Christmas Celebrations