Tag Archives: White Christmas

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 2025: Day 10

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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

When Otis Redding died in a plane crash 58 years ago on December 10, 1967, his close friend & the co-writer of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”, Steve Cropper, was tasked with finishing that song.  Despite his overwhelming grief, he completed the record and it was released a month later.  On March 16, 1968, it became the #1 song in the U.S. for four consecutive weeks, led by Redding’s meticulous vocal & Cropper’s subtle yet exquisite guitar work. Years later, the staggering beauty of that track introduced me to both men and they have been with me ever since.

Otis Redding (L) and Steve Cropper (R) circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Booker T & The MG’s on stage with Otis Redding during his breakthrough performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in June 1967 (L-R): Donald “Duck” Dunn, Al Jackson Jr. on drums, Steve Cropper, Booker T. Jones (seated) and Redding (front center). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The success of that record proved the power of Redding’s legacy and the strength of Cropper’s talent.  It helped him become a pillar of Stax Records, first as an A&R man and soon after as a founding member and lead guitarist for the label’s house band, Booker T & The MG’s.  Cropper was also a producer and the co-writer of other hits like “Green Onions”, “Time Is Tight”, “In The Midnight Hour”, “Knock On Wood” and “634-5789”.  He played on songs by Sam & Dave including “Soul Man” which he played on again when it was covered by The Blues Brothers in 1978 (John Belushi can be heard saying, “Play it, Steve!” during the song just as Sam Moore did on the original recording). 

The Stax Museum Of American Soul posted an online tribute to Cropper last week noting “Steve helped shape the very heartbeat of American soul music. His unmistakable guitar lines, songwriting genius, and commitment to the craft left a mark on music around the world. Steve was a collaborator, a leader, and a friend. His contributions helped define what came to be known as the Memphis sound.” Amen.

That sound helped Booker T. & The MG’s land numerous awards and accolades, including an induction into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992. They were also the stage band during the HOF’s opening concert in 1995. Cropper’s extraordinary guitar skills made him a sought after musician who worked with countless artists during his nearly 70 year career. His chapter is one of my favorites in all of music history.  His death last week at age 84 hurts my heart so.  But what a life & legacy he left us with. Thank you, Crop, for everything. 

Stephen Lee Cropper:  October 21, 1941 – December 3, 2025.

Booker T. & the M.G.’s circa 1967 (L–R): Donald “Duck” Dunn, Booker T. Jones (seated), Steve Cropper and Al Jackson Jr. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Steve Cropper through the decades (L-R) from the 1960’s, the 1970’s and the 2010’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The tribute to Cropper posted on Facebook last week on the Stax Museum Of American Soul page. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Booker T. & The MG’s: “Green Onions” (1962, written by Steve Cropper, Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. Jones and Lewie Steinberg).

Booker T. & The MG’s: “Jingle Bells” (1966, written by James Lord Pierpont, arranged by Booker T. & The MG’s).

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

Otis Redding: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” (1968, written by Steve Cropper and Otis Redding).

Otis Redding: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

The Blues Brothers: “Soul Man” (Live performance from November 1978 on “Saturday Night Live”. Written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 10

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 10A

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

Another of my great musical loves, Otis Redding, left us with two fabulous Christmas songs before his death 57 years ago on December 10, 1967. I like to feature both tracks every year because, well, it is Otis Redding and two, because this man’s immense talent is just too incredible not to indulge in.

The first one was written by Irving Berlin and the most famous recording of it by Bing Crosby remains the best selling song of all time. Redding’s achingly impassioned vocal is the complete antithesis of Crosby’s signature crooner style, but the level of soul Redding offers makes his version an absolutely stunning event.

Otis-Redding

Otis Redding circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

For another take on this holiday staple, I am including a fabulous female version courtesy of Mrs. Elvis Costello, an incredible singer & performer in her own right.

Diana

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The second holiday track dates back to 1947. Redding recorded it sometime between 1966 & 1967 and it was released posthumously in 1968. It is another outstanding performance showcasing his vocal range & passion for a great song.

As if his own talent were not enough to make this song stand on its own, the fact that he and my constant, Bruce Springsteen, chose to record the same Christmas song shows their similar taste in music. In fact, he occasionally covers “Sweet Soul Music” as an encore at his legendary concerts, a song written by Redding & Arthur Conley, who originally recorded it in 1967. I was lucky enough to be present at one of The Boss’ show where he sang that track & that moment stands as one of the top highlights from all of the Bruce concerts I have attended over the years. I love both versions of this Christmas song so much I listen to them all year round. And I make no apologies for that.

bruce-springsteen-portrait-2023

Bruce Springsteen in a 2023 portrait from his website. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

Diana Krall featuring the The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: “White Christmas” (2005, written by Irving Berlin).

Otis Redding: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

Bruce Springsteen: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1986, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 10

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

10 B

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

The singer behind today’s song is soul defined. His life was tragically short (he died on December 10, 1967 at age 26) as was his career (it spanned three years and produced six albums in his lifetime), yet over five decades later he is still celebrated as The King Of Soul. And today’s track is a yearly reminder that despite the tradition of this season, it can and should be celebrated with music that features a fabulous achingly impassioned vocal that makes you feel the spirit of Christmas and more.

Otis-Redding-1967-06-17-Monterey-Pop-Festival

Otis Redding circa 1965. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 10 With My Top 10 Favorite Holiday Movie Picks

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

wonderfulpic.0

A scene from the 1946 holiday classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life”. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

A few years ago I shared my Top 10 Christmas movies with all of you. With two weeks to go before Christmas Eve, I decided to post it again along with today’s song. Enjoy!

10. THREE DAYS (2001)

An angel (Tim Meadows, SNL’s “The Ladies Man”) gives a husband three days to convince his wife he loves her before she dies.

9. IF YOU BELIEVE (1999)

A bitter female Scrooge-like woman gets the chance to heal her inner child-who is an actual little kid following her everywhere that no one else can see, of course.

8. YOU’VE GOT MAIL (1998)

A Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan classic-and my favorite of their four collaborations-set in the greatest city in the world, NYC. With Jean Stapleton, Dabney Coleman, Dave Chappelle & Greg Kinnear in the cast as well, it is a fun watch.

7. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)

Sandra Bullock became America’s sweetheart in this utterly charming film.

6. ELF (2003)

What is not to love about Will Ferrell as a 30 year old 6 foot tall elf? Ed Asner, Bob Newhart & James Caan help tell this thoroughly enchanting & adorable story.

Elf 1A

Buddy The Elf (Will Ferrell, L) & Santa (Ed Asner, R) in “Elf”. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

5. THE CHRISTMAS LIST (1997)

A 30-something woman (Mimi Rogers) makes a list for Santa and suddenly starts receiving everything she asked for. But not in the way she expected. Improbable, yes, but entertaining nonetheless. And completely enjoyable. Not very popular but not to be missed.

4. A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)

I triple dog dare you not to adore this movie. What I love the most about it? How simple the celebration of the holiday actually is. No one is trying to do too much, the mom is not frantic to make everything Christmas card perfect and ends up giving her family a lovely, warm, comfortable & happy celebration. The house is not overwhelmed with decorations so the one big beautiful tree is the centerpiece to love, admire and inhale. Plus we see a bully finally get what he deserves. Delightful in every way.

3. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

The film equivalent of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”, it’s just not officially the holiday season without George Bailey’s self-sacrificing good guy persona. And as Monica told Phoebe in “Friends”, it has “wonderfulness baked right in”.

2. LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)

Before Liam Neeson declared himself & his skills a nightmare to the people who took his daughter, he was helping his stepson navigate his first crush. And Bill Nighy is his usual brilliant self. Plus it features two musical standouts: Today’s song by Otis Redding and Joni Mitchell’s 2000 version of “Both Sides Now”. And even though it does end with a group performance of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, somehow it works.

1. SCROOGED (1988)

Oh, do I love, love, LOVE this movie. The classic Dickens story told with such colorful characters portrayed by Bill Murray, Alfre Woodard, David Johansen, musical street players like Miles Davis, Dave Sanborn & Paul Shaffer, a theme song featuring Al Green & Annie Lennox and the lovably quirky Carol Kane, who delivers the best line ever spoken by any “Ghost of Christmas Present”: “You know I like the rough stuff, don’t you?”

Scrooged

Bill Murray (L) and Carol Kane (R) in “Scrooged”.  (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Honorable mention to “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” (2008). Henry (“The Fonz”) Winkler plays a retired NY cop who goes to Illinois to spend Christmas with his niece, her son & the kind helpful stranger he met on the plane. This was actually one of the first Hallmark Christmas movies before the concept was turned into an assembly line franchise. Maybe that accounts for the lack of sugary side effects in this thoroughly pleasant film.

And if you are vehemently opposed to Christmas movies but are still reading this post? Yes, Virginia, there is one for you, too: “Bad Santa” (2003). Billy Bob Thornton is the ultimate ne’er do well and best part of this film, but hearing Bernie Mac shout “Pull your damn pants up” to a kid wearing them close to knee cap level is everything. And it features comedic queen Cloris Leachman. Win-win-win.

Now back to the music.

Today’s singer is hands down one of the greatest voices in the soul and R&B genres ever. He took today’s holiday standard, introduced it in a whole new way and the Christmas season has never sounded the same. We lost this beautiful man 55 years ago today at the age of 26 which means he has been gone twice as long as he was here. Yet we are still listening to the legacy he left behind. That is a legend defined.

Otis Redding circa 1967. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 10

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 10

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We may not have a lot of music from Otis Redding because he died entirely too young but the songs he did give us are absolutely astonishing. That includes his cover of today’s holiday classic which he recorded in his signature soulful style. What a gift this man was to music.

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white“.

Otis

Otis Redding in June 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

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!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 433

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

May blog 2021

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today we remember one of the finest female big band singers of all time. Rosemary Clooney was born 93 years ago on May 23,1928 in Kentucky. She started performing with her sister, Betty, and in 1945 they won a radio contest that awarded them a singing spot on a Cincinnati radio station. A year later Rosemary was singing with The Tony Pastor Band. By 1951 she had her first hit, “Come On-A My House”, produced by Mitch Miller. More hits and acting parts followed including her role in “White Christmas” opposite Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye.

She spent many years fighting addiction & mental health issues until she was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1968. She fought her way back to the career she loved as a “…a sweet singer with a big band sensibility…” which is how she described herself in her second autobiography, 1999’s “Girl Singer: An Autobiography”.

A year after Clooney’s death in 2002, Bette Midler released a tribute album, Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook, produced by Barry Manilow. In 2005 Clooney’s daughter-in-law, Debby Boone, released her own salute with Reflections of Rosemary.

Today’s song is from the musical “The Pajama Game” & was a #1 song for Clooney in 1954. Sam Cooke did a glorious cover of this track in 1960 and it is probably my favorite male version of this tune. But Clooney’s is the absolute best there is. As was she.

“Won’t you take this advice I hand you like a mother
Or are you not seeing things too clear
Are you too much in love to hear
Is it all going in one ear and out the other“.

rosemary-clooney-1-d12-c12

Rosemary Clooney circa 1952. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney: “Hey There” (1954, written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 270 & My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies

Posted in Holidays, Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

wonderfulpic.0

“It’s A Wonderful Life” movie still. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

With two weeks to go before Christmas, some of you may be tired of the formulaic but understandably watchable Hallmark movies. So before we get to today’s song, I am sharing my Top 10 Christmas film picks for anyone who might be looking for something different.

10. THREE DAYS (2001)

An angel (Tim Meadows, SNL’s “The Ladies Man”) gives a husband three days to convince his wife he loves her before she dies.

9. IF YOU BELIEVE (1999)

A bitter female Scrooge-like woman gets the chance to heal her inner child-who is an actual little kid following her everywhere that no one else can see, of course.

8. YOU’VE GOT MAIL (1998)

A Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan classic-and my favorite of their four collaborations-set in the greatest city in the world, NYC. With Jean Stapleton, Dabney Coleman, Dave Chappelle & Greg Kinnear in the cast as well, it is a fun watch.

7. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)

Sandra Bullock became America’s sweetheart in this utterly charming film.

6. ELF (2003)

What is not to love about Will Ferrell as a 30 year old 6 foot tall elf? Ed Asner, Bob Newhart & James Caan help tell this thoroughly enchanting & adorable story.

Elf 1A

Buddy The Elf (Will Ferrell, L) & Santa (Ed Asner, R) in “Elf”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

5. THE CHRISTMAS LIST (1997)

A 30-something woman (Mimi Rogers) makes a list for Santa and suddenly starts receiving everything she asked for. But not in the way she expected. Improbable, yes, but entertaining nonetheless. And completely enjoyable. Not very popular but not to be missed.

4. A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)

I triple dog dare you not to adore this movie. What I love the most about it? How simple the celebration of the holiday actually is. No one is trying to do too much, the mom is not frantic to make everything Christmas card perfect and ends up giving her family a lovely, warm, comfortable & happy celebration. The house is not overwhelmed with decorations so the one big beautiful tree is the centerpiece to love, admire and inhale. Plus we see a bully finally get what he deserves. Delightful in every way.

3. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

The film equivalent of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”, it’s just not officially the holiday season without George Bailey’s self-sacrificing good guy persona. And as Monica told Phoebe in “Friends”, it has “wonderfulness baked right in”.

2. LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)

Before Liam Neeson declared himself & his skills a nightmare to the people who took his daughter, he was helping his stepson navigate his first crush. And Bill Nighy is his usual brilliant self. Plus it features two musical standouts: Today’s song by Otis Redding and Joni Mitchell’s 2000 version of “Both Sides Now”. And even though it does end with a group performance of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, somehow it works.

1. SCROOGED (1988)

Oh, do I love, love, LOVE this movie. The classic Dickens story told with such colorful characters portrayed by Bill Murray, Alfre Woodard, David Johansen, musical street players like Miles Davis, Dave Sanborn & Paul Shaffer, a theme song featuring Al Green & Annie Lennox and the lovably quirky Carol Kane, who delivers the best line ever spoken by any “Ghost of Christmas Present”: “You know I like the rough stuff, don’t you?”

Scrooged

Bill Murray (L) and Carol Kane (R) in “Scrooged”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Honorable mention to “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” (2008). Henry (“The Fonz”) Winkler plays a retired NY cop who goes to Illinois to spend Christmas with his niece, her son & the kind helpful stranger he met on the plane. This was actually one of the first Hallmark Christmas movies before the concept was turned into an assembly line franchise. Maybe that accounts for the lack of sugary side effects in this thoroughly pleasant film.

And if you are vehemently opposed to Christmas movies but are still reading this post? Yes, Virginia, there is one for you, too: “Bad Santa” (2003). Billy Bob Thornton is the ultimate ne’er do well and best part of this film, but hearing Bernie Mac shout “Pull your damn pants up” to a kid wearing them close to knee cap level is everything.

Now back to the music.

Today’s song is my absolute favorite version of this Christmas staple. Bing Crosby’s may be the classic recording of this tune, but to hear Otis Redding sing anything will always be my first choice. His cover is chock full of heart, soul, blood, sweat & tears. It is an absolute must for any holiday playlist.

“May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white“.

Otis

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 150

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Charlie Brown No Music No Life

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

We have hit another benchmark as we are now at day 150 of the pandemic.  Wow.  So let’s commemorate it with an extra special song & singer to make it easier to realize the five month mark.

Otis Redding.  Otis Redding.  Otis Redding.  My heart belongs to this beautiful talented singer with the most intense, passionate & soulful voice I ever heard.  I swoon over every single note of his music each time it is played.  When I really need an Otis fix, I watch his Monterey Pop Festival performance from 1967 where he literally stole the show from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and other well established musical acts.  Redding’s music has been featured in movies like “Dirty Dancing” (“These Arms Of Mine” & “Love Man”), “Love Actually” (“White Christmas”), “Platoon” (“Dock Of The Bay”) and in TV shows like “The Sopranos” (season 2 episode 9 featured “My Lover’s Prayer”) and in the original “Magnum, P.I.” (season 7 episode 16 featured “Try A Little Tenderness”).  Today’s song, which is included on the album, “Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul”, arguably his best album released in September 1965, was featured on “The Wonder Years” in season 1 episode 6 where Kevin & Winnie danced to it at a school function.  Only Redding’s music could make a show as great as that one even better.

“I’ve been loving you a little too long
I don’t want to stop now, oh
With you my life
Has been so wonderful
I can’t stop now“.

Otis

Otis Redding at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Otis Redding:  “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (1965, written by Otis Redding and Jerry Butler).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 20

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I used to love watching old movies with my grandmother.  It was how I was introduced to such stars as Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and Rosemary Clooney.  The first time I ever heard her sing was during the film “White Christmas”.  The first scene I saw was when she sang “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” and I was completely captivated.  Not only was her voice beautiful, but so was she.  And so elegant in her black sweetheart neck gown, white gloves and big dangly earrings which seemed to match the applique on the back of her dress.  She was perfection in every sense of the word.  After that I listened to practically every record she ever recorded and fell in love with every one.  But today’s song has always been my favorite.

R Clooney

Rosemary Clooney circa 1950 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney:  “Tenderly” (1951, written by Jack Lawrence and Walter Gross).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.