Month December 2023

“Sleigh Ride” (Johnny Mathis/The Ronettes)

Sleigh Ride, Johnny Mathis

Today is the ninth day of twelve days of classic Christmas songs, and our classic Christmas song of the day is “Sleigh Ride.” This classic was a hit for multiple artists, most notably Johnny Mathis and, in a much more contemporary version, the Ronettes. “Sleigh Ride” was composed by Leroy Anderson (who also wrote “The Syncopated Clock,” which you might…

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“Santa Baby” (Eartha Kitt)

Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt

Your classic Christmas song of the day, for this the eighth of twelve days of classic Christmas songs, is “Santa Baby,” made famous by Eartha Kitt. The tremendously sexy Ms. Kitt purrs her way through what might be the most materialistic Christmas song of some very materialistic Christmas songs. Eartha is all about the Christmas presents, baby, and she’s very…

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“The Christmas Song” (Nat King Cole/Mel Tormé)

The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole

Today is the third day of 12 classic Christmas songs and our classic Christmas song of the day is “The Christmas Song,” as performed by Nat King Cole. According to performing rights organization BMI, it’s the most-performed Christmas song of all time. Nat King Cole recorded “The Christmas Song” four different times. The first was in June of 1946, with…

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“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (Andy Williams)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams

For this second day of 12 days of classic Christmas songs, we’re featuring “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams. This tune first appeared on the 1962 Christmas episode of his TV show and was put to vinyl on Mr. Williams’ 1963 album, The Andy Williams Christmas Album. It was not released as a single at…

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“Christmas Time is Here” (Vince Guaraldi Trio)

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Celebrating the 12 days of Christmas, today we’re starting 12 days of classic Christmas songs. Our first classic Christmas song is “Christmas Time is Here” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, from that holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The tune is jazzy and a just a little melancholy. The early- to mid-60s was a golden time for television and for…

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