Tag Archives: Kim Gannon

25 Days Of Christmas: Day 21

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Al Green turns every song he sings into a soulful experience and that includes all nine holiday tracks he recorded for his 1983 album, White Christmas. It is impossible for me to choose a favorite, but this year it is this song which I have had on repeat the most.

 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Al Green: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (1983, written by Kim Gannon, Buck Ram and Walter Kent).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 3

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 3

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

In 2008 R&B singer Brian McKnight released his second Christmas album. The title track is such a great take on a classic holiday tune that was first released 80 years ago in 1943. Knight’s smooth soothing soulful version reminds me of the type of music you hear during a Christmas episode of a TV series or the track playing during a montage on a soap opera where we get a look at various couples and families celebrating the holiday. I first discovered Knight after hearing his lovely & evocative 1992 duet with Vanessa Williams (and seeing the gorgeous video) for “Love Is” from Beverly Hills, 90210: The Soundtrack.

For a fabulous instrumental take on the same song, look no further than music mogul & trumpeter, Herb Alpert, who spent a lot of 2023 on tour. His second holiday album, 2017’s The Christmas Wish, also includes his cover of “Merry Christmas Darling” written and recorded by The Carpenters in 1970 on Alpert’s A&M label. I also recommend his first seasonal record, Christmas Album, which was released in 1968 with his band, The Tijuana Brass.

Herb

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Brian McKnight: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (2008, written by James Kimball “Kim” Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram).

Herb Alpert: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (2017, written by James Kimball “Kim” Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2019: Day 20

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Welcome back to the countdown!!!

A Christmas hello from me and jolly ol’ St. Nick!!!

day 19

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).  

A common theme in many Christmas songs is going home for the holiday.  For many people, the sentimental pull of family gatherings, traditions we learned as children and the nostalgia invoked from seeing decorations we either made or put on the tree when we were kids is just too much to resist.  Of course, for many the stress of too much family togetherness is enough of an issue to skip the trip home.  Some have committed to defending our country so home is on the other side of the world.  And for others, there is no home to go to.  But the one thing we all have access to is the music of Christmas.  That may help us all find a memory that takes us back home, if only in our dreams.

Buble

Michael Bublé:  “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (2011, written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram circa 1943).

And for a very pretty female take on this song, my choice is by the second funniest woman in one of my all time favorite movies, “9 to 5”.  And she only came in second because Lily Tomlin is a comedic genius.  So I am sure Dora Lee Rhodes understands completely why she is my number two.

Dolly

Dolly Parton:  “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (1990, written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram circa 1943).

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!!!