Tag Archives: Meet Me In St. Louis

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.

Judy
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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 2023: Day 12

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by

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

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

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!!!