Inside the Rock Era: 11/28/21

Saturday, December 4, 2021

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 4

We serve up eight holiday delights for you in Day Four!

"I'll Be Home For Christmas"

by Bing Crosby

Bing took this Christmas song written in 1943 to honor members of the military who were overseas and achieved a Top 10 hit with it.

"12 Days Of Christmas"

by John Denver & the Muppets

The song, generally thought to be of French in origin, could have began as a Twelfth Night game, in which a leader cited a verse, each of the players repeated the verse, the leader then added a verse, and so on until one of the players made a mistake. That person would then pay a penalty, such as offering a kiss or a sweet, or simply dropping out of the game. "The 12 Days of Christmas" was first published in 1780 in England.

It has been performed by hundreds of different artists and often is annoying because of the repetitive nature. But when John Denver hosted The Muppets Show in 1976 and did this song with Jim Henson's characters, that version gave it enough of a twist to become one of the favorite versions (if not the favorite).

"Santa Tell Me"

by Ariana Grande

This modern-day classic, co-written by Grande, reached the top 10 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland.

"Joy To The World"

by Pentatonix

This amazing group began when Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying were classmates at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. The three began performing before going their separate ways--Hoying pursued a degree in Popular Music Performance at the University of Southern California while Maldonado majored in Musical Theatre at the University of Oklahoma.

Hoying was encouraged to audition for the NBC show, The Sing-Off, and persuaded Maldonado and Grassi to join him. Through a mutual friend, Hoying met Avi Kaplan, a talented bass singer and, wanting a "beatboxer", they discovered Kevin Olusoloa on YouTube.

^{"Step Into Christmas"}

by Elton John

This was written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John and recorded at Morgan Studios in London in 1973. Billboard's policy at the time was not to include Christmas songs on its "Hot 100" chart, but the song did reach #1 on a special Christmas chart. It is one of a select few new songs in the last 40 years to be included in this feature.

"Carol Of The Bells"

by John Williams

The song originated in the Ukraine as a pagan chant performed during the celebration of the New Year, which was in April. When Christianity came to the Ukraine, the New Year's celebration was moved to January. Composer Mykola Leontovych used the words of this chant in his song, which was adapted to English by Peter J. Wilhousky.

However, most versions of the song we now hear are instrumental, oddly enough. One of the best is this one from John Williams.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?"

by Band Aid

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure wrote this song in reaction to reports of the famine in Ethiopia from 1983-1985. This song was recorded in one day at Sarm West Studios in London on November 25, 1984 by Band Aid, a group assembled by Geldof and Ure and consisting primarily of top British and Irish stars at the time.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" rocketed to #1 for five weeks, sold a million copies the first week, and reached three million by the end of the year, on the way to becoming the top-selling single in U.K. history.

"White Christmas"

by the Drifters

The great Irving Berlin wrote this masterpiece, although there are differing accounts as to the time of the composition. After writing it, Berlin told his secretary, "Grab your pen and take down this song. I just wrote the best song I've ever written. Heck, I've just written the best song anyone's ever written."

Although Bing Crosby dominates the song on the airwaves today, this version is good enough to also make The Top 150 Christmas Songs*. The Drifters hit #2 with it in 1954 and it made seven appearances on the chart through 1962.

Join us tomorrow for more of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded!

Friday, December 3, 2021

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 3

When we get done, you'll have The Best 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*. We will put up a page with the links to each of these groups of eight, so you'll have them in one place. Today is December 3, and here are the next six:

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

by Amy Grant

Although we associate this song with Andy Williams, Amy Grant did her own version on the album The Christmas Collection and it has been popular in its own right. Great orchestral accompaniment.

"Here We Come A-Caroling"

by the Ray Conniff Singers

One of the great songs by one of the best Christmas acts--Ray Conniff & the Singers. Difficult to not be happy listening to this. This is from the 1965 album The Real Meaning of Christmas.

"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 reverence, that allows his amazing voice to transport you back in time to the actual night.

Thursday, December 2, 2021

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 2

Here are the next six songs in Inside the Rock Era's Christmas Spectacular of The Best 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*:

"Wonderful Christmastime"

by Paul McCartney

McCartney recorded this song while working on his second solo album, McCartney II and released it as a single in 1979, when it reached #6 in the U.K.

Paul played all instruments on the song, though Wings did perform it during their 1979 tour. Over 20 artists have recorded their versions.

"Christmas Time Is Here Again"

by the Flirtations

The 60's group the Flirtations released this as the B-side of their single "Nothing But A Heartache", which became a hit for the Supremes. The group is still active today.

"Do You Hear What I Hear"

by Bing Crosby

It is important to know the history regarding this song. It was written by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker in October, 1962 as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Anyone who records it without the passionate conviction and desperation that people felt during the threat is missing the point.

Bing Crosby "got it" and delivered an incredible performance more in tune with the message than other versions. He first performed it on The Bob Hope Christmas Special of 1963.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"/"We Three Kings"

by Barenaked Ladies

This Canadian group which is best known for their One-Hit Wonder, "One Week", scored a surprise Christmas gem in 2004. Fellow Canadian Sarah McLachlan helped out on lead vocals.

"Oh Come All Ye Faithful"

by Faith Hill

"Adeste Fideles" is the original name of this song attributed to John Francis Wade. The original four verses were extended to eight and the English translation by Roman Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley is the most common.

Faith Hill's version is different than most if for no other reason, tempo. Instead of just singing the words, she slows it down to emphasize the tender message that I believe the songwriter intended.

"Snoopy's Christmas"

by the Royal Guardsmen

The Peanuts comic strip created by Charles Schultz featured the beagle Snoopy, who often would go off on imaginary battles with The Red Baron. It is that rivalry that first inspired the Royal Guardsmen to record "Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron".

The group drew upon the theme again for this Christmas song which included a surprising turn of events that gives a message to us all.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

by Frank Sinatra

This song was written in 1944 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and first introduced by Judy Garland in the MGM musical Meet Me in St. Louis.

Frank Sinatra did it in 1957 and his version became the standard for many years. Somehow hearing "The Chairman of the Board" sing it made it genuine.

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

by Harry Connick, Jr.

Lyricist Sammy Cahn wrote the song with Jule Styne in 1945. It was written in July in Hollywood, California during one of the hottest days of the year. Vaughan Monroe originally recorded it and hit #1 with the song but since then, several versions have eclipsed it in popularity.

Connick recently recorded his version and the big band sound represents the severity of the storm outside while Connick sees the romantic possibilities of being "snowed in".

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 1

Time flies, but it has been 10 years since we first presented this music special. There have been several new Christmas songs deserving of the accolades since that time, so we reasoned it was time for an update. We will feature 8 songs per day right up through Christmas Day, for a total of The Top 200 Christmas Songs of All-Time*!

"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

by Johnny Mathis

Meredith Wilson (who did music for The Music Man) wrote this song in 1951. It was been recorded by several artists. Johnny Mathis' version picked up popularity when it was included in the movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, but it has always been a holiday favorite. It is included because Mathis sings it joyfully. The backing vocals, which alternate often with Mathis, add substantially to the song's appeal as well.

"Silent Night"

by Boyz II Men

The song "Stille Nacht" with German lyrics was written by the priest Father Joseph Mohr with music from Franz Haver Gruber in Obendorf bei Salzburg, Austria. Second Bishop John Freeman Young of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida wrote the English translation that is often heard today.

There are several versions of this great song included--it perhaps is the Christmas song which most fits what should be the mood of the season. An amazing performance by Boyz II Men sung A Capella. The Boyz sing it with great reverence, which was the way it was written.

"Go Tell It On The Mountain"

by Mahalia Jackson

The third song today is an African-American spiritual written by John Wesley Work, Jr. and dating back to at least 1865.

This version is included in The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time* because Mahalia sings it with great passion and conviction. I believe she captures the original intent better than anyone else.

"Away In A Manger"

by Pentatonix

Since we first presented this special in 2011, it is safe to say that this group has dominated Christmas music. This unique a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, formed that same year and won the third season of the NBC show The Sing-Off. Their YouTube channel currently has over 19 million subscribers and 5 billion views!

Their phenomenal success (Christmas songs are a big part of what they do) and the popularity of their releases has placed 9 of their songs in this list. The group and their talent is what draws people to them, but their arrangements and videos are superb as well.

"Winter Wonderland"

by the Eurythmics

This winter song has become a Christmas standard. Richard B. Smith wrote the words after Central Park in his hometown of Honesdale, Pennsylvania was covered in snow. Felix Bernard put the message to music.

Over 150 artists have recorded the song. One of the best versions is this one by the Eurythmics. The musical accompaniment and the interlude from Annie Lennox of the duo add considerably to the song. Winter can be drudgery, to be sure, but these aspects of the song convey the fun aspect of winter.

"Silver Bells"

by Kenny G

Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote this song that was first performed by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in 1950 for the movie The Lemon Drop Kid.

The song has been recorded by hundreds of artists despite the song being one of the newest of what we call Christmas standards. This song is included because, as an instrumental, it is naturally unique from vocal versions. Kenny G is one of the best artists for Christmas songs and his great sax playing adds much to this song. His ad-libbing captures the celebratory nature of the song, ringing silver bells to celebrate the season.

"My Favorite Things"

by Julie Andrews

This is a rare instance in which a song was first featured in a movie that had nothing to do with Christmas, yet the song has become a holiday staple. Here is the original version by the great Julie Andrews.

"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"

by the Carpenters

One of the most popular of the secular Christmas songs, this was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie. It was first sung on Eddie Cantor's radio show in November of 1934. There were orders for 100,000 copies of sheet music the next day and 400,000 by Christmas.

Another of the top Christmas performers is the Carpenters. They have several songs included among The 150 Best Christmas Songs of All-Time*. Karen's voice in many ways sounds like Christmas; she definitely had a gift from God.

Monday, November 29, 2021

The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era Complete Checklist!

We hope you enjoyed The Top 100 Artists* special! The best way to listen to it is to listen to each song by each artist, one immediately after the other, the way it was first presented on radio. Everyone's tastes are different, but it is readily apparent from listening to the great array of songs that each of these artists have had amazing careers. Here is our handy checklist to make it easy to catch up on superstars you may have missed:

Prelude:

#102-- Dan Fogelberg, Part One

Dan Fogelberg, Part Two

Dan Fogelberg, Part Three

Dan Fogelberg, Part Four

#101--Christina Aguilera

The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era: