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Falalalalala:
Boomer Christmas Albums
When I was a kid, there were several signs that the holiday season
was underway — the glistening turkey and pumpkin pie on
Thanksgiving, the arrival of the Sears holiday catalog and my
dad’s annual trip to the tire store. Yes, the tire store.
Each year my dad took care of some sort of tire or car business
at the Firestone store at the mall but we were really there for
the store’s annual Christmas Favorites album. A compilation
of Yuletide cheer by Julie Andrews, Roberta Peters, Gordon MacRae,
Vic Damone and others tied up in a bright red bow.
I did a quick poll of Boomers’ Christmas album favorites,
I’ve listed below. I found that many of these are now available
on CD and quite a few you can find on vinyl as well.
Ten Well-Loved Boomer Christmas LPs:
White
Christmas (Bing Crosby), 1949
Chances are this album’s title song is included in almost
every classic Christmas compilation made after the mid-1940s.
Crosby croons his way through all the classic carols on this fun
album.
Elvis’ Christmas Album, 1957
Christmas with the King! Need I say more? Of course, Elvis’
rendition of “Blue Christmas” is, well, the bluesiest
and the best! There’s also a memorable version of “Santa
Claus is Coming to Town” like only Elvis can do!
Merry Christmas from the Chipmunks, 1958
Okay, what Boomer didn’t have this album? Chipmunks Alvin,
Simon and Theodore were the impish little charges of Dave Seville
(Ross Bagdasarian). I can’t get through the season without
“Please Christmas, don’t be late.”
Seasons Greetings from Perry Como, 1959
Como was known as the most laid back performer in show biz. His
signature sweater and easy style made his Christmas shows pleasant
holiday fare and he did a good turn with almost any carol. My
favorite, though, has got to be his “Oh Holly Night.”
Christmas with Conniff (Ray Conniff), 1961
Ray Conniff was a trombonist, orchestra leader and arranger. In
1959 he started the Ray Conniff singers and recorded four Christmas
albums with the group. Every one of my parent’s Christmas
compilations features a Ray Conniff track.
The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole), 1963
“The Christmas Song” first recorded by Nat King Cole
in 1946 is the foundation of many people’s Christmas music
memories. The first African American to have his own radio show
and second to host a television show, Nat King Cole was known
for his velvet voice and classy performances.
The Andy Williams Christmas Album, 1963
Andy Williams could be called “Mr. Christmas Special’
— we never missed a one in our house. Over the years, Williams
hosted more than 10 Christmas specials and several Christmas albums.
Known for making songs, “his own,” this album one
features It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,”
a Williams’ classic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (soundtrack), 1965
Perhaps my first introduction to jazz, this album by Vince Guraldi
is the soundtrack to the Peanuts’ wonderful Christmas feature.
I can still picture the dust shaking off Pig Pen as he dances
and Snoopy bounces to the beat. A favorite for all Boomers.
A Christmas Gift for You (Phil Spector), 1965
Producer Spector is perhaps best known as the creator of the early
60s girl group sound and he later went onto work with almost everyone
including the Beatles and the Ramones. The album featured Darlene
Love, the Ronettes, the Bob B Soxx and the Blue Jeans, and the
Crystals. Rolling Stone rated this in its list of 500 top albums
of all time.
Christmas Is…(Percy Faith), 1967
Percy Faith is another orchestra/band leader I know only through
his many Christmas albums. He was known for lush string sections
and female choruses, both elements that make for great Christmas
orchestrations. (back to top)
—Betty
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