Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

Today’s song is on my list every year and I make no apologies for that. The original version is by the beautiful and legendary singer/songwriter who started off the year by winning her 10th Grammy Award for Best Folk Album for Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live]. That record captured her musical comeback in 2023 after a medical crisis and she has not slowed down since. Her songs continue to endure and resonate more than five decades after the release of her 1968 debut album, Song To A Seagull, as does today’s song which debuted in 1971.

Joni Mitchell on stage at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Out of all the cover versions out there of today’s song, the one I adore the most is by a man who also started 2024 off with an award. In his case it was the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer”. He was also nominated for the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for his role as as Claude in “The Sympathizer”. He ended the year with a return to Broadway after nearly 40 years to star in the title role of the new play by Ayad Akhtar, “McNeal”.

I have been a fan of RDJ’s since I saw him in the 1986 comedy, “Back To School”, and have followed him since. I think one of his best roles was as Larry Paul in “Ally McBeal” where he performed today’s song in 2000 during season 4, episode 6, “‘Tis The Season”. His sharp and elegant vocals are paired with a truly haunting and exquisite cello arrangement that is one of the most beautiful musical moments I have ever heard.

Robert Downey Jr. on stage at The 96th Academy Awards ceremony after his win for Best Supporting Actor in March 2024. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Joni Mitchell: “River” (1971, written by Joni Mitchell).

Robert Downey Jr.: “River” (2000, written by Joni Mitchell).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!