The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 9

 We have eight more great Christmas favorites for you right now:

"The Christmas Song"

by the Carpenters

This classic which BMI shows as the most-performed Christmas song of all-time was written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells in 1966.  The Carpenters' magical touch enabled them to record a version that would put them alongside Nat King Cole.

 

 "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

by Bing Crosby

We have pointed out that the Carpenters, Perry Como, Bing Crosby and the Conniff Singers--all which start with the letter "C", are among the most successful artists at Christmas, which of course also starts with a "C".  Those four mentioned above own 30 of The Top 200*!

"The Chipmunk Song"

by the Chipmunks

Here we have the song written by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., who is actually David Seville, the mastermind behind the song.  The song was created recording three different parts sung slowly, then sped up to sound as if it were coming from chipmunks.  "The Chipmunk Song" was the last Christmas song to reach #1 in 1958 and it won three Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Performance, Best Children's Recording and Best Engineered Recording (non-classical).

"Carol Of The Bells"

David Foster

Ukranian Mykola Leontovych wrote the music to this in 1914, with lyrics by Peter Wilhousky.  Producer David Foster's version was included on his 1993 release, The Christmas Album.

   "Mary's Boy Child"
by Boney M

This song was written by Jester Hairston and first performed by Harry Belafonte.  But Boney M's version has become the most popular.

"I Saw Three Ships"

by Sting

This is a popular Christmas carol from England.  The earliest printed version is from the 17th century, published by William B. Sandys in 1833.

 

 "One More Sleep"

by Leona Lewis

This song, recorded for Lewis' fourth studio album, the 2013 release Christmas, with Love, is regarded as the most popular of recent Christmas songs by the Official Charts Company.

  "Joy to the World"

by Whitney Houston

Isaac Watts wrote the words that are based on Psalm 98 in the Bible.  Watts published the song in 1719 in the collection The Psalms of David:  Imitated in the language of the New Testament.  Only the second half of Watts' lyrics are used today.  The music was adapted and arranged by Lowell Mason in 1839 from a melody that is believed to have come from Handel's Messiah.

Whitney's spirited version in the movie The Preacher's Wife is next in our feature.

Some radio stations and satellite channels play thousands of Christmas songs each year, forcing you to hear all the bad and mediocre songs with the best.  No need to sit for all that--we play the best 200 and only the best!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 8

 Welcome to our updated version of the special we first produced in 2011.  Here are eight more great Christmas songs!

 

 "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful"

by Pentatonix

We lead off today with the group named after the pentatonic scale, a scale with just five notes per octave.  Although they do cover versions of popular songs as well as original material, the group is best known for their renditions of Christmas standards.

 "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"

by U2

U2's version of the standard by Darlene Love makes our list!  Phil Joanou, who was making the film Rattle and Hum at the time for the group, directed this video, which was filmed in November of 1987 at the Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the group was set to perform.

  

"A Marshmallow World"

by Johnny Mathis

This song was written by Carl Sigman and Peter DeRose in 1949.  Bing Crosby had the first hit with it but when Mathis included it on his Sounds of Christmas album in 1963 it became the most popular version.

 "Believe"

by Josh Groban

Here is another of the most recent additions to The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time*, which gives Josh Groban 5 entries.  Written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, "Believe" was featured in the 2004 movie The Polar Express.

 

 "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

by the Jackson 5

This legendary group covered Jimmy Boyd's song for their Christmas album in 1970.

 

 "The First Noel"

by Kenny G

Here we have a traditional carol, generally thought to be from the 18th century.  The word Noel is from the French word meaning "Birthday".  The song was first published in 1823 in Carols Ancient and Modern, edited by William B. Sandys and arranged, edited and with extra lyrics added by Davies Gilbert.

Kenny G included it on Faith:  A Holiday album and his special touch generated interest enough to include it in this special.

 "Winter Wonderland"

by Aretha Franklin

A young Aretha recorded an exciting and passionate version of this song in 1964.  It was good enough to make The Top 200*.

 "Silent Night"

by Perry Como

This was on the album Perry Como Sings Christmas.  Como's reverent tone is not lost on listeners and is the reason for its great appeal.

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!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 6

 There are now thousands of Christmas songs, and it's hard to sort through them.  Don't go through the hassle; we already did it for you.  Here are eight more of The Best Christmas Songs of All-Time*:

 

"Away In A Manger"

by Anne Murray

This traditional Christmas favorite was first published with two verses in the Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School collection called Little Children's Book for Schools and Families in 1885, edited by James R. Murray (1841-1905).  The words were set to a tune called "St. Kilda", credited to J.E. Clark.

Murray's reverent treatment of the song makes it special.

 

 "Let It Snow"

by Dean Martin

This song first recorded by Vaughn Monroe in 1945 has been covered numerous times; one of the most popular is this version, which reached the charts in 21 countries.

 

 "Here Comes Santa Claus"

by Gene Autry

This has become a traditional Christmas favorite and although others have recorded it, Autry's version is by far the best.  He wrote it along with Oakley Haldeman after riding his horse in the 1946 Santa Claus Lane Parade in Los Angeles in which crowds of spectators shouted "Here comes Santa Claus".  

Johnny Bond first recorded the song using ice cubes to mimic the sound of sleigh bells.  When Autry recorded the song in 1947, he used real sleigh bells and released the song on Columbia Records, hitting #9.  Autry included the song in his movie The Cowboy and the Indians in 1949 and the song was also featured in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in 1989.

Autry's reference to Santa Claus as "Santie Claus" is a special touch that only adds to its appeal.

 "Perhaps Love"

by John Denver & Placido Domingo

This entry is unique in that it isn't a Christmas song per se but its lyrics are so relevant that it is now associated with Christmas.  Written in 1981 for his wife as the couple was nearing a divorce, the song hit #22 on the Adult Contemporary chart at the time and was billed as "Two Great Tenors on One Great Record".

Obviously, Placido Domingo was one of the great tenors of our lifetime.  The song works because, rather than try to match Domingo's performance, which would have been foolish, Denver doesn't change a thing about his style, which itself was loved by millions.

 "Sleigh Ride"

by the Carpenters

Another of the most popular Christmas tunes, this was composed by Leroy Anderson.  He conceived of the idea during a heat wave in July, 1946 and finished it in February of 1948.  The lyrics were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950 while the instrumental was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. 

The lyrics make no direct reference to Christmas or any religion, although some artists, including the Carpenters, changed "birthday party" to "Christmas party", and thus tied it into Christmas.  As usual, Richard Carpenter's arrangement is outstanding and Karen's vocals are personal and amazing. 

"I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas"

by Gayla Peevey

This next entry was written by John Rox and performed by 10-year-old Gayla Peevey in 1953.  Peevy performed the song on The Ed Sullivan Show that year.

"Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth"

by Bing Crosby & David Bowie

An unlikely duo teamed for this song that has become an all-time favorite.  Bing Crosby and David Bowie (?!) recorded this one for Crosby's 1977 television special.  Crosby's children recounted to Billboard in 2014 that it almost didn't happen:

Mary Crosby:  

             The doors opened and David walked in with

             his wife. They were both wearing full-length

             mink coats, they have matching full makeup 

             and their hair was bright red.  We were

             thinking, "Oh my God."

"It almost didn't happen," brother Nathanial added.  "I think the producers told him to take the lipstick off and take the earring out.  It was just incredible to see the contrast."  Watching on the set, Mary noticed the transformation:

        They sat at the piano and David was a little

           nervous.  Dad realized David was this

           amazing musician, and David realized

           Dad was an amazing musician.  You could

           see them both collectively relax and then

           magic was made.        

    "Little Saint Nick"

by the Beach Boys

The Beach Boys recorded this song, a #3 smash in 1963, which was included on The Beach Boys' Christmas Album the following year.  

The cream of the Christmas crop for 25 days, exclusively on Inside The Rock Era!

The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time, December 5

 We've included a good mix of songs, not only in the Top 200, but also each day, so you'll get a good variety of songs by a variety of artists in a variety of styles.  Here are eight more coming at ya on December 5:

 "Christmas Time Is Here"

by Vince Guaraldi Trio

This holiday favorite instantly transports listeners to being kids.  It was released on the Soundtrack to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in 1965, the music for the television special of the same name.  The angelic voices included on the song that fit the season are largely responsible for the song's relevance and popularity.

 

 "Run Rudolph Run"

by Chuck Berry

This song has entered the special Billboard Christmas chart three times--in 1958, 2019, and it reached its peak of #10 on January 2, 2021, 63 years after its release!

  

"Santa Baby"

by Eartha Kitt

Joan Javits (niece of Senator Jacob Javits) and Philip Springer wrote this song as a tongue-in cheek mockery of a woman who wanted extravagant gifts for Christmas. 

It was originally recorded by Eartha with Henri Rene and his orchestra on October 6, 1953 in New York City. She later said it was one of her favorite songs and reprised it in the 1954 move New Faces. The song was also featured in the 1989 movie Driving Miss Daisy.

"Go Tell It on the Mountain"

by Dolly Parton

We've already heard this song in The Top Christmas Songs of All-Time* by Mahalia Jackson.  Because the song is a spiritual and one of the most reverent, it is difficult to pull off and be true to the original intent. Dolly Parton recorded her version in 1990 and released it on the album Home for Christmas.  Her version does indeed seem genuine and thus has become a holiday favorite.

 "Jingle Bells"

by Frank Sinatra

Christmas Songs by Sinatra was Frank's third studio album, released in 1948.  Sinatra puts his special touch on this Christmas classic!

  
"Blue Christmas"

by Elvis Presley

This was written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and first recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948, then made popular by Ernest Tubb the following year.  It is one of the first to put out the notion that not everyone was happy at Christmas.

But when Elvis recorded it in 1957 in his one-of-a-kind style, he took it to the next level.  Elvis included it on Elvis' Christmas Album that year and released it as a single in 1964.  Elvis performs it in a bluesy style, a great pun on the title by the way, he gets his usual backing from the Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham can also be heard.   

"Deck the Halls"

by Nat King Cole

This traditional Christmas song is taken from the Welsh winter carol Nos Galan from the sixteenth century.  The chorus of "Fa la la" is from the Welsh song; the remaining lyrics are American from the nineteenth century.

Nat King Cole is another of those great Christmas artists.  He has several songs included in Inside the Rock Era's feature, and his version of this holiday favorite is one of the best there is.

"Silent Night"

by Garth Brooks

This is from Garth's album Beyond the Season.  In addition to a humble recording, Brooks' inclusion of a story within the song adds special meaning.

We have eight more planned for you tomorrow!

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 200 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!

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.