Anyone who knows me knows that my taste in music is hugely varied. And my taste in Christmas music is no exception. I love Christmas songs from many genres, from classical to country to pop to jazz, and from any time period from madrigals to...well, maybe not rap and hip hop, but certainly to contemporary times. Here are a few of my favorites from the various decades over the past century!
The 1910s
1910: "The Hallelujah Chorus" from The Messiah by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
When I think of Christmas music, I think of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, and when I think of the "Hallelujah Chorus," I think of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Messiah premiered in 1782, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir first performed it in 1875, but the first recording by the choir was made in 1910 and included the "Hallelujah Chorus." What more joyful noise could possibly be made at Christmas?
1913: "Hail, Hail, Day of Days!" by the Edison Mixed Quartet
I recently discovered this delightful recording from 1913 - made on a wax cylinder! I love the overly deliberate diction with the rolled Rs, and alternation of a capella passages with sparse accompaniment including pretty little chimes after each repetition of the word "hail" and simple tuba oom-pahs and long tones in the background.
The 1920s
1923: "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra
Originally written in 1897 by Leon Jessel as a solo piano piece entitled, "The Parade of the Tin Soldiers," Jessel arranged it for orchestra in 1905. In 1922, Ballard McDonald added lyrics and arranged the piece into a song called, "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." The song was popular throughout the 1920s, but in 1933 it was used to create a Betty Boop cartoon of the same name, and the Radio City Rockettes adopted it as one of their signature numbers in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a number they still perform today.
1929: "Savoy Christmas Medley" by Debroy Somers Band
This recording has such a 1920s sound, I can practically see them dancing the Lindy in their flared pinstriped pants during the interludes. I love the honky-sounding sax, the blatty brass, the perfectly square tempos, and the crisp diction and tight harmonies of the singers.
The 1930s
1934: "Troika" from Lieutenant Kije by Sergei Prokofiev
Although not technically a Christmas song, the word "Troika" refers to a sleigh drawn by three horses, and the sleigh bells and rousing, rhythmic percussion bring to mind horses' hooves, much like the better-known "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson. Being a brass player, I may be biased, but I love both playing and listening to this dynamic piece.
1936: "Swingin' Them Jingle Bells" by Fats Waller
"Jingle Bells" is probably one of the most played (and OVERplayed) Christmas songs ever, but you've never heard it until you've heard Fats Waller and his orchestra bring it home. "What's the matter wit' 'er?" "Jingle bells got 'er!" Priceless.
1936: "What Will Santa Claus Say?" by Louis Prima & His New Orleans Gang
Louis Prima is best known as King Louis in the original Jungle Book movie, but he had an impressive career as a bandleader and entertainer long before and after. Like many bandleaders of the era, Prima not only conducted, but also played the trumpet and provided lead vocals (with band members singing backup vocals) for many pieces, including this charming holiday song.
1939: "The Fairy on the Christmas Tree" by Gracie Fields
The chirpy sound of Fields' voice is reminiscent of Snow White in the 1937 Disney movie. This silly but sweet song is a perfect example of the style of this era, and it's a fun vintage visit to the late 1930s.
The 1940s
1942: "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Crosby was the ultimate crooner, and "White Christmas" is the ultimate croon. From Crosby's rich baritone to the women's backup harmonies to the sweet little whistled interlude, this song is about as perfect as it can get. There have been innumerable covers recorded since, but none of them can touch Crosby's original.
1944: "Holiday for Strings" by Glen Miller and the Army Air Force Orchestra
What I love most about this piece is how effortlessly it changes from peppy jazz to orchestral pizzicato to smooth swinging strings. I can picture someone rushing out to do their holiday shopping, then coming home and sitting by the fire wrapping presents. It doesn't include any recognizable holiday tunes, but it is still unmistakably Christmas.
1949: "Sleigh Ride" by The Boston Pops
The Boston Pops first recorded Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" under the baton of Arthur Fiedler, one year after its composition in 1948, and it quickly became one of the group's signature numbers. The Pops released four additional recordings of the piece under Fiedler's direction, another conducted by John Williams, and three more by the current Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart. The piece was originally purely instrumental, with lyrics by Mitchell Parish added in 1950. The first recording with lyrics was released by the Andrews Sisters that same year. If you're from anywhere near Boston, it's not Christmas until you've heard the trumpeter in the Pops play that distinctive whinny.
The 1950s
1952: "The Christmas Waltz" by Frank Sinatra
Like "White Christmas," "The Christmas Waltz" has been covered by many other artists, but Sinatra's laid-back version with swinging strings and soaring sopranos is still the one by which all others are measured.
1953: "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt
This song has been re-recorded umpteen times, usually in a very cutesy manner (see: Madonna, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande), but Eartha's version is the only one that makes me believe that Santa did, indeed, bring her the entire contents of the Tiffany's catalog. And a yacht.
1957: "I Love Those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells" by Frank Sinatra
Another laid-back Sinatra carol, Frank is once again accompanied by a chorus of chirping sopranos and "bong"-ing basses. You can practically hear the ice jingle in his glass and see him waving his cigarette while he sings. Bong!
1958: "The Little Drummer Boy" by the Harry Simeone Chorale
Although this song, which is based on a traditional Czech carol, was written in 1940, the first recording wasn't released until 1951, performed by the Von Trapp Family Singers! But it was this 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale that really made it popular. This arrangement is so evocative of the 1950s age of chorale singing.
1959: "Christmas Festival" by the Boston Pops
Another Boston Pops Christmas classic by Leroy Anderson that the Pops have both performed and recorded numerous times, the 1959 recording under the baton of Arthur Fiedler is one of the best. Every Christmas I perform with a group that uses a slightly abbreviated version of this piece as their overture, and there is nothing quite as wonderful as standing at the back of the theater, waiting for my entrance, listening to this lovely medley of Christmas favorites.
The 1960s
1960: "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" by the Kingston Trio
If I were marooned on an island and could bring only one Christmas album, it would, without a doubt, be "The Last Month of the Year" by the Kingston Trio, and if I could listen to only one track, it would be "Children, Go Where I Send Thee." A counting song in the vein of "The 12 Days of Christmas," each number represents a Biblical concept, person, or group (for example, "3 for the Hebrew children" refers to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were saved from the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel).
1961: "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
Although it was written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells, Nat King Cole's version far outshone Torme's own recording. Cole's smooth vocals invite you to join him and sit right down by that open faaaahr - er, fire. It's just not Christmas without Cole's rendition of "The Christmas Song."
1966: "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Thorl Ravenscroft
Not only is it from a classic children's book and television special by Dr. Seuss, featuring delicious lyrics like, "You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile" and "Your heart is full of unwashed socks," it is also performed by Thorl Ravenscroft, the voice of Tony the Tiger himself. Jim Carrey's version is fun, but it doesn't resonate in your soul the way Ravenscroft's does.
1967: "That's What Christmas Means to Me" by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder's takes on various Christmas songs are often too non-traditional for me, but there's something so sincere about this song that I love it in all its Stevie Wonder poppiness. You can't help but boogie along to the beat while you're baking your Christmas cookies. The 1970s
1970: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by the Jackson 5
Christmas and Motown can be a weird combination, but Michael Jackson was at the height of his little-boy cuteness and was the perfect voice for this song. Add in the tight harmonies from the other brothers and you can practically see their bell-bottom choreography. This is the rare combination of a less than fantastic song and a less than fantastic genre combining to somehow make a great recording.
1976: "Pine Cones and Holly Berries/It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by the Osmonds
I love the way they take a classic Christmas song and combine it with a lesser-known tune for a much more fun and upbeat arrangement. I get this version stuck in my head every Christmas.
1977: "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
As odd as this pairing seemed on the surface, and as cheesy as the setup was in the 1977 television special where they first performed the medley, it was a beautiful and moving piece, and Crosby's and Bowie's voices blended unexpectedly well. There was something touching about the two men from such widely varied backgrounds, genres, and generations coming together.
1978: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by the Carpenters
Many other singers recorded this song before and after the Carpenters, most notably Judy Garland, but as much as I love Judy's poignant version, it's Karen Carpenter's throaty purr that tugs at my heartstrings. To me, this version is the best of the best.
The 1980s
1981: "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" by the Cambridge Singers
There's nothing like the sound of a capella men's voices echoing throughout a stone cathedral. John Rutter's lovely arrangement of this traditional carol is haunting, yet festive.
1984: "Sleigh Ride/Winter Wonderland" by Dolly Parton
I'm the first to admit that Dolly's voice and style sometimes grate on me. But somehow this recording hits all the right notes for me. She sounds more like she's singing in her living room than in a recording studio - it's so natural and relaxed, just like Christmas should be..
1987: "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Whitney Houston
It's rare that a classic Christmas song is ever recorded in a very different arrangement yet becomes as much of a classic as the original, but Whitney's tour de force performance of "Do You Hear What I Hear" is one of the most powerful and moving Christmas songs I've ever heard. I still get chillbumps every time I listen to it. Oh, those pipes.
The 1990s
1992: "My Grownup Christmas List" by Amy Grant
If this song doesn't move you, you have a heart of stone. A beautiful melody; poignant, heartfelt lyrics; and Amy's gentle alto and soft Tennessee drawl are sure to melt the hardest of hearts.
1993: "(It Must Have Been Ol') Santa Claus" by Harry Connick, Jr.
Connick's music is a contemporary take on 1940s swing music, and this arrangement is no exception. With bright brasses, percussive rhythms, the band singing backup and clapping, and rocking piano licks, this jazzy number has it all. The 2000s
2002: "The Nutcracker Suite" by the Brian Setzer Orchestra
BSO released the song in 2002 but it grew in popularity the following year when it was included on the soundtrack of the film "Elf." It's a jazzy, contemporary take on the traditional Nutcracker, including just enough traditional bits in between jazzing it up to please highbrow and lowbrow alike.
2004: "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings" by the Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlan
Another unexpected pairing, I love the way the BNLs start off, then McLachlan slips in underneath with subtle harmonies before taking a verse in her own style, then the BNLs slip in under her with harmonies, finally ending with a canon-style repeat. The arrangement has something of an Appalachian feel with the simple guitar accompaniment and McLachlan's trademark near-yodel singing style.
2007: "What Child is This?" by Carrie Underwood
Sometimes I like it when an artist plays around with a traditional arrangement, adding their own embellishments and interpretations. But sometimes I like it when someone with a beautiful voice simply sings the traditional arrangement without feeling a need to muck around with it. Underwood does exactly that on this simple arrangement that starts with solo voice and guitar, then builds to a full orchestra and backing vocals, but keeps the traditional melody intact. No melisma, no glory notes, no unexpected harmonies (or melodies). Just a lovely voice singing a lovely song.
The 2010s
2012: "Carol of the Bells" by Pentatonix
Carol of the Bells. Pentatonix. 'Nough said.
2013: "Underneath the Tree" by Kelly Clarkson
I kind of love this song in spite of myself. It's a little angsty and overly belty, but Kelly sells it like nobody's business. I'd love to hang out underneath her Christmas tree, drinking spiked eggnog and dishing on guys. Yeah, it surprises me, too.
2014: "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Michael Buble and Idina Menzel
A lot of people get their knickers in a twist over this song, claiming it's about date rape (it's not; it's about slut shaming, but that's another blog entirely). But Buble and Menzel change a few lyrics and add a couple of adorable lip-synching tweens to the video and the whole song becomes as sweet and Christmassy as a candy cane.
2015: "The Man with the Bag" by Jessie J
Kay Starr's original jazz version was great, but Jessie J's brassy, bold belt manages to outdo the original.
2016: "Mary Did You Know?" by Voctave ft. Mark Lowry
If you're not familiar with the group "Voctave," check them out. Amazing voices, amazing arrangements. This is one of my favorite arrangements of one of my favorite Christmas songs. (Side note: That crazy high soprano? I've heard her in person. Yeah, she really sings those notes. Yeah, she really sounds like that in person. No autotuning, no electronic sweetening. It's mind-blowing. Plus, she's just a doll.)
So that's my take on the last century of Christmas music. What era is your favorite?
Last week, I blogged about the most iconic recordings of Christmas carols. My criteria then were that each song had to have multiple covers by other artists, and each artist had to be the one that most people thought of when they thought of that particular Christmas song. So I really only considered recordings that have been out for quite some time - as you can see from my list, the majority of the songs were recorded prior to 1970. But of course, there are some wonderful recordings from more contemporary artists and groups. So today's blog is a list of some of my favorite Christmas recordings from more recent years - let's limit it to recordings released in the last 20 years or so. Some of them are newer recordings of the same classics as my previous blog, but some are newer songs - but ones that I think should become classics down the road.
These are some of my favorite contemporary Christmas recordings, in no particular order.
This song has gotten a bad rap as the "date rape" song, and while I don't see it that way in its original context and time period, I appreciate that Buble and Menzel rewrote the lyrics to make it flirty instead of creepy. I also love the sweet video with two adorable tweens dancing and lip-synching, It gives it the cozy charm intended by the original composer, and Buble and Menzel have just the right voices and styles to keep it feeling retro but still fresh and contemporary.
Originally recorded by a very young Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who in Jim Carrey's version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Mariah Carey recorded a pop version which was never released due to legal complications. Hill then released her recording, along with a video interspersing footage from the movie with Hill singing. Hill's version is poignant and emotional without (quite) being overwrought, and it shows off her spectacular and powerful voice.
I've always loved this song, whether it's the original Kay Starr recording, the Brian Setzer Orchestra version, or anything in between. Jessie J's rich voice and laid-back delivery capture the saucy spirit of the original while still bringing a fresh voice to the song. And it doesn't hurt that she's backed by an absolutely rocking big band.
Picking just one Harry Connick, Jr. Christmas tune wasn't easy - I love (almost) all of his jazzy takes on Christmas classics, as well as some lesser-known holiday tunes. But his recording of "Holly Jolly Christmas,"a song made famous by Burl Ives' performance in the Rankin-Bass special, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," is one of my favorites, partly because it features his fabulous orchestra cutting loose for long stretches, with Connick's silky-smooth vocals playing around with the melody just enough to make it fun without losing the tune entirely. It's completely different from Ives' recording, yet equally delightful. The Little Drummer Boy: Pentatonix
I'm not always a fan of combining beat-boxing with classic Christmas music, but for obvious reasons, it seems to work for this particular song. I love that each vocalist has his or her own style, yet they blend together so beautifully. The clear voices and perfect harmonies of this recording makes it one of my favorite Pentatonix holiday pieces.
Weirdest pairing ever, right? But Gaga is nothing if not a musical chameleon, and she sells this song with her rich, belty jazz vocals, and Bennett's voice belies his age. The two sound like they're having the time of their lives, with a surprisingly good blend of both sound and style. And I love Gaga's delighted, "Tony! It's snowin'!" at the end.
This lovely a cappella arrangement is a little jazzy without straying too far from the original, and it is proof positive that these guys can sing. I adore this piece in its classical, operatic setting, but this recording proves it can be equally beautiful and moving when performed in a completely different style. Jingle Bells: Diana Krall
By now I'm sure you're sensing that my favorite new recordings stray just far enough but not too far from the originals, and Krall's "Jingle Bells" is no exception. She sings the first couple of verses pretty straight, playing just a hair with the rhythms but generally sticking to the melody. But then she and the band let loose and jazz out - vocals, orchestra, and keyboard. So much fun!
Groban's rich voice is perfect for this lovely, gentle carol, and I love the way this recording builds from simple piano accompaniment and a single voice, to adding a second voice on harmony and a few strings, and finally soaring to a full orchestra and full chorale accompaniment in a gospel style.
The guitar accompaniment allows McLachlan's gorgeous vocals to shine. I love the way she completely rewrites the melody within the original chord structure so it still feels as familiar as the original. Her distinctive almost-yodel as she pops between her head voice and chest voice works beautifully in this arrangement.
I know, I know - the grocery store has been playing Christmas music for a month now and you're sick of it already. But in my house, Christmas music starts in early November and by Thanksgiving week it's all Christmas music, all the time. Of course, when you start that early, you need a huge variety of music so you don't get bored. And with our family's eclectic taste in music, we listen to all kinds of stuff that you might not be familiar with. So here are some suggestions of Christmas tunes from all genres that you should consider adding to your Christmas playlist.
The King's Singers is a primarily a cappella male sextet founded at King's College in Cambridge, England, in 1968. Despite many changes in membership over the years, they always have a distinctive crisp sound with minimal vibrato, tight harmonies, spot-on pitch, and impeccable diction. Although their repertoire leans heavily toward classical and renaissance music, they cover all kinds of pop tunes and novelty numbers as well. They have multiple Christmas albums with both accompanied and a cappella pieces, and some with other choirs. One of my favorites from their Christmas repertoire is this lovely medieval Latin hymn, the refrain of which translates to, "Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born of the virgin Mary." This piece is from their album "A Little Christmas Music."
I grew up listening to this album over and over all Christmas season, and there's not a cut I don't love, but this particular song so beautifully features the instruments, the harmony, and the simple repetitive melody. If you enjoy this song, be sure to check out the entire album, released in 1960.
This track has a special place in my heart since it's a part of a Christmas revue my family performs in every year. The musical is based on the same source material as the film "You've Got Mail," and this particular scene fast-forwards through the Christmas season as the two clerks begin to fall in love in person. As Christmas nears, the customers and the clerks become increasingly frantic and panicky, and the music speeds up accordingly. It's a funny scene and a funny song, and it's completely true to how most of us deal with Christmas approaching.
A chamber group originally formed by renowned composer and choral director John Rutter, these classically trained voices have released a number of Christmas albums: "Christmas Night" (1987), "Christmas with the Cambridge Singers" (1989), "Christmas Day in the Morning," (1993), "The Cambridge Singers Christmas Companion" (2000), "The John Rutter Christmas Album" (2002), and "A Christmas Festival" (2008). I love the sweetness of the boy sopranos and the contrast between the older singers' richer voices. This track, from their 1989 album, is a particular favorite of mine.
This may seem like a strange choice for a dyed-in-the-wool New Englander like myself, but the longing for the kind of Christmas you remember from your childhood is universal. Grant's mellow voice, with its hint of southern hospitality, strikes the right emotional chord for me. This track is from her first Christmas album, "A Christmas Album" (1983), but she has released 10 (!!) other Christmas albums since then, including "The Animals' Christmas" (with Art Garfunkel, 1986), "Home For Christmas" (1992), and "The Christmas Collection" (2008). Her holiday albums are a mix of covers of traditional songs and original compositions.
Backed by a rockin' jazz orchestra, Armstrong's distinctive raspy vocals and wailing trumpet will snap you out of the worst holiday funk. His laugh at the end is my favorite part. If you like this number, be sure to listen to the rest of the album, "What a Wonderful Christmas," featuring other great jazz artists like Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Lena Horne, and many others.
Other terrific jazz favorites for Christmas you might want to give a listen to include: Sleigh Ride - Ella Fitzgerald; The Man with the Bag - Jessie J; and Shake Hands with Santa Claus - Louis Prima, which gets its own entry below.
You may not think you know who Louis Prima is, but if you've seen the Disney movie "A Jungle Book," you know him as King Louie, the king of the apes who kidnap Mowgli. Recorded in 1951, "Shake Hands with Santa Claus" was released as a single, but it's been included on multiple collections since, including "21 Jazz Christmas Favorites," "Jingle Bell Swing," "Christmas Don't Be Late...Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Breaking It Up!", and "The Sound of Christmas," among others.
This song is in the same category as Satchmo's Cool Yule, so check the list above for similar songs.
Belafonte's slow, sweet version of this well-known carol reminds me just how glorious and controlled his voice was. This is a perfect song to play on Christmas Eve after all the presents are wrapped, the kids are asleep, and you're sitting back on the couch with your feet by the fire and your sweetheart by your side. Close your eyes, sip your mulled cider, and remember the peace and calm of Christmas. This song is the final track of his first Christmas album, "To Wish You a Merry Christmas," recorded in 1958.
Harry Connick, Jr. takes the classic chestnut made popular by Andy Williams and jazzes it up with a swinging band backing him up. The album, 'What a Night!" (2008) was Connick's third Christmas album, and contains a mix of Christmas standards and original songs.
Arguably one of the most beautiful a cappella albums ever recorded, the purity and harmony of the voices in this group gives their 2016 album, "The Spirit of the Season," a distinctive sound. Their recording of "Mary, Did You Know" (featuring lead vocals by the composer, Mark Lowry) may be the most well-known cut from this album, but the whole album is full of gorgeously scored traditional and lesser-known Christmas songs.
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