The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 17

 Today's eight songs will put us over 135 of The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time* that we have presented thus far since December 1.  We have listened to thousands of Christmas songs over the last 45 years and these are the ones that consistently rate as the most popular.  Unlike most lists of this type, we actually let you listen to the songs so you can decide on your personal favorites.

 "Please Come Home for Christmas"
by Charles Brown

This is one of the few early Christmas standards (done in 1947) to be topped by a remake (the Eagles has displaced it as the favorite version), but any list that doesn't still include it as one of the best probably was put together by a young person not aware of the first great version of the song.  The ringing of the Church bells, the understated but memorable guitar solo, and Brown's great sad style make this a Christmas favorite.

 "Jingle Bell Rock"

by Hall & Oates

Whether it be Christmas music or conventional, the old adage is always true--it is extremely tough to remake a classic--you're always going to be compared to the original.  Very few can do it successfully and most should not attempt it.  But Hall & Oates pulled it off and their version continues to be played 38 years after first released.

 "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
by Darlene Love

This song was originally scheduled to sung by Ronnie Spector, but Darlene Love was called in and she delivered.  It was written by the famous team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.  Leon Russell adds his magic piano part at the end.

 "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Springsteen thinks it's funny he's singing a Christmas song; he laughs several times during the song.  Nevertheless, it is one of the most-played songs of the season.

 

 "Oh Holy Night"

by John Denver

John Denver is another of the best Christmas artists of the Rock Era.  He gave an amazing performance on this somber song.

 

 "Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!"

by Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme

This was included on the 1964 album That Holiday Feeling.  There are three versions of the popular favorite among The Top 150*.  This one shares the standard-bearing with Dean Martin's version.

 "Frosty The Snowman"

by Gene Autry

After Autry enjoyed much success with "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1949, Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote this one and pitched it to Gene the following year.  Like "Rudolph", it too was featured in a television special.

 "Jingle Bells"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

This, like so many others that we've featured, is on the great album Christmas with Conniff.  The Singers bring a cheerful, crisp approach to everything they do and frankly, a lot of the memories we have of Christmas involves the Conniff Singers.  

We hope you are enjoying this Christmas special--join us tomorrow!