The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 13

 We are at the halfway point of our Christmas special, with 8 more to enjoy!

  

 

 "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

by Amy Grant

One of Amy's best Christmas songs, she lends credibility and joy to this holiday favorite.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

by Perry Como

This song was first published by William B. Sandys in 1833, although it is believed to have been written in the mid-18th century.

Few have performed it as genuinely as did Perry Como, and that is why his version makes The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time*.

 "Jingle Bells"

by Brian Setzer

With the traditional songs, this is one case in which the more you can come up with a different-enough version, you can distinguish yourself from the crowd.  Setzer's version really jazzes up the song.

 "Please Come Home for Christmas"

by the Eagles

It is difficult to take someone else's song and do a better version.  There's so few examples of that, but in 1978, the Eagles released this song, which reached #18 among all the songs out at the time.  Charles Brown, who co-wrote it with Gene Redd and had done it originally, only got to #76 with his version.

"My Favorite Things"

by the Supremes

This song was one of the great tracks on the all-time favorite movie and soundtrack Sound of Music.  Interestingly enough, it has become a Christmas favorite and there is no better version than that of the Supremes.

 "Pretty Paper"

by Willie Nelson

Willie wrote this song in 1963 but after he signed with Monument Records, he played it for producer Fred Foster.  Foster gave the song to Roy Orbison, who recorded it originally and scored a big hit with it.  Nelson later recorded his own version the following year and is trying to reclaim it for himself.  You can decide which you like better.

 

 "The 12 Days Of Christmas"

by Straight No Chaser

In 2006, Randy Stine uploaded the performance of Straight Chaser's "The 12 Days of Christmas" to YouTube so he and his college buddies could relive the glory.  To the group's surprise, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman saw the video and was so impressed that he sought them out and signed them to a recording contract.

 

 "Do You Hear What I Hear"

by Whitney Houston

Bing Crosby has the best version of this, but Whitney's isn't far behind.

We hope you are finding peace this holiday season!