The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 7

Welcome to Day Seven of The Best 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*:

 

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

by the Weavers

This popular caroling song is from the West Country of England from the sixteenth century. The song got its origin from the English tradition whereby wealthy people of the community gave Christmas treats to carolers on Christmas Eve.

This song stands out from other versions due to the unique musical delivery of the words.

 

"It's the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

by Andy Williams

This great song was written by Edward Pola and George Wylie. It was recorded for the album The Andy Williams Christmas Album and was selected as the theme song for Christmas Seals in both 1968 and 1976. Since its release, the song has received more airplay each year and, although other versions have been recorded, Williams essentially "owns" the song. To us, it's not Christmas unless we hear this song.

 

 "Ring Christmas Bells"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

We've already heard "Carol of the Bells" in our special. Minna Louise Hohman wrote an alternate version that includes more Nativity-based lyrics. When you hear that version, the song is called "Ring Christmas Bells".

And who better than the group that may as well have called themselves the Christmas Singers for it is Christmas songs that they excelled at and they did it better than just about
anyone.

 

 "Oh Holy Night"

by Celine Dion

Celine Dion gives a spectacular rendition of perhaps the most faithful and reverent of all the Christmas songs.

"Holly Jolly Christmas"

by Michael Bublé

Burl Ives' original in 1964 in the movie Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer is more famous, but this version by Michael Bublé has charted in 21 countries, including a #3 ranking on the Adult Contemporary chart in the U.S.

 

 "I'd Like You For Christmas"

by Julie London

London, whose biggest career hit was "Cry Me A River" in 1955, was a nurse on the 70's television show Emergency, which also featured her husband, Bobby Troup.  Troup (who also wrote the standard "Route 66") wrote the lyrics for this song, which featured an orchestra conducted by Johnny Mann.

"You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch"

by Thurl Ravenscroft

This Christmas classic was written for the 1966 cartoon special Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  The soundtrack captured the Grammy Award for Best Album for Children.

 

 "Ding Dong Merrily on High"

by Roger Whitaker

George Ratcliffe Woodward wrote the lyrics, first published in 1924 in his The Cambridge Carol-Book: Being Fifty-two Songs for Christmas, Easter, and Other Seasons. Charles Wood put music to the words in The Cambridge Carol Book, borrowing from the dance tune "le branle de l'Official", from the dance book Orchesographie by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1593).

Whittaker's interpretation of the light, airy, almost magical sound of bells stays true to the dance origins of the song.

Enjoy more of this Christmas spectacular tomorrow on Inside The Rock Era!