The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time: December 3

When we get done, you'll have The Best 150 Christmas Songs of All-Time*.  I'll put up a page with the links to each of these groups of six, so you'll have them in one place.  Today is December 3, and here are the next six:

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

by Dean Martin

Johnny Marks wrote this song that was first sung by Harry Brannon in November 1949.  Dean Martin recorded his version in 1959 and his wording of "Rudy, the red-beaked reindeer" fit Martin's image perfectly and Martin's probably the only guy who could sing those lines and pull it off.  It gave the song a whole new appeal.

"You're All I Want for Christmas"

by Brook Benton

Benton recorded this song in 1963 and it is one of the least-covered songs in this special, but certainly one of the most personal and most romantic.

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

by Jimmy Boyd

Tommie Connor wrote the lyrics and music to this one.  Boyd recorded the original version of the song in 1952 when he was 13 years old.  Several other artists have covered the song but Boyd's is still the best.

"What Christmas Means to Me"

by Stevie Wonder

Anna Gordy Gaye, George "Horgay" Gordy and Allen Story wrote this song on Wonder's Someday at Christmas album in 1967. Out of all the Christmas songs, this is one of the ones that captured the true meaning of Christmas.

"Frosty the Snowman"

by the Ronettes

This fun song about an imaginary snowman who magically comes to life has been delighting audiences for years.  Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote it for Gene Autry who originally recorded it.  

Of course, the famous "Wall of Sound" production technique made almost anything sound better and when the Ronettes did this song, it quickly became a holiday favorite.

"Oh Holy Night"

by Josh Groban

Adolphe Adam composed this song in 1847 based on the French poem "Minuit, chretiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau.  Minister John Sullivan Dwight created a singing version of the song based on Cappeau's French text in 1855.  

Groban sings it with such reverance, that allows his amazing voice to transport you back in time to the actual night.