Nope. As it turns out, popular groups recording holiday albums really is not just a modern trend. Whether it's the movie & music stars of the '40s and '50s, or the family on which one of the most popular holiday movies of all time was based, these golden age Christmas recordings (and modern recordings in the golden age style) are not just celebrations of the Christmas holiday season, but they evoke an earlier, more simple time. For cozy, comforting December music, these familiar groups and their great recordings are where you want to go.
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The Christmas Song Deck The Hall O Holy Night Silver Bells Good King Wenceslas The Night Before Christmas Song Santa Claus Is Coming To Town CHRISTMAS Go Tell It On The Mountain There'll Always Be A Christmas I Got A Cold For Christmas |
The Ames Brothers, one of the most popular pop groups of the 50's, released "Christmas" on Dec. 2, 1957, just in time for the holidays. The album reached #16 on the charts, and remained popular for many years and now, for the first time, it has been reissued on CD. The rich, deep sound of the Brothers lends a classic sound to "The Christmas Song," "O Holy Night," "Silver Bells," "The Night Before Christmas Song," "Jingle Bells," "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and bonus track "I Got A Cold For Christmas." A 50's vintage harmony Christmas winner!
Listen to "I Got A Cold For Christmas" in RealAudio
| 7498 CD $14.98 |
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Happy Holiday Jing-A-Ling, Jing-A-Ling Twelve Days Of Christmas The First Snowfall I'd Like to Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus Poppa Santa Claus You're All I Want For Christmas The Christmas Tree Angel Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town O Fir Tree Dark Christmas Candles Jingle Bells Christmas In Killarney Winter Wonderland Here Comes Santa Claus Looks Like A Cold, Cold Winter Merry Christmas Polka Mele Kalikimaka Is Christmas Only A Tree Christmas Island |
As Christmas time nears you will undoubtedly begin hearing once again the familiar sounds of Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. It was back in the 40's and 50's when Bing and the sisters got together and recorded 6 Christmas songs for Decca records, which historically have become some of the most celebrated holiday recordings of all time. Most of the songs will ring a familiar bell, but there are some very cute recordings that didn't quite receive the recognition deserved. This 20 track release includes; "Happy Holidays", "Twelve Days Of Christmas", "I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus", "You're All I Want For Christmas", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "Winter Wonderland", "Mele Kalikimaka", and "Here Comes Santa Claus". Like a cracklin fire, this is great music to bring warmth to your home this Christmas season.
Listen to " Jing-A-Ling, Jing-A-Ling" in RealAudio.
| 4316 CD $14.98 |
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Here Comes Santa Claus Twelve Days of Christmas Jingle Bells (with Bing Crosby) A Merry Christmas At Grandmother's (with Danny Kaye) I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa Winter Wonderland The Christmas Tree Angel The Toys Gave A Party For Poppa Santa Claus (with Bing Crosby) All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) (with Danny Kaye) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (with Bing Crosby) |
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye join the legendary Andrews Sisters on this 10-song (all accompanied) compilation of classic Christmas tunes from the 1940s. Bing treats us to some of his wonderfully laid-back baritone on the opening cut, ÒHere Comes Santa Claus," "12 Days of Christmas," "Jingle Bells," "(The Toys Gave A Party For) Poppa Santa Claus," and the last cut, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Kaye joins the Sisters on "A Merry Christmas At GrandmotherÕs," and "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth." The Sisters by themselves perform the sweet little fantasy, "I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa," "Winter Wonderland" and "The Christmas Tree Angel." Beautiful, fun stuff from some of the greatest, most popular singers ever to record a Christmas song.
Listen to " The Christmas Tree Angel in RealAudio.
| 4511 CD $12.98 |
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This Is Christmas Christmas Cometh Caroling Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Wind Come, Dear Children Some Children See Him Sleep, Baby Mine All On A Christmas Morning Caroling, Caroling The Star Carol We'll Dress The House Christ In The Stranger's Guise Nigh Bethlehem What Are The Signs Jesu Parvule O Hearken Ye |
Considered by some to be the finest recording of Christmas carols ever, these original compositions were written by Alfred and primary lyricists Wihla Hutson and Bates G. Burt (Alfred's father). In fact, the carols were initially sent as Christmas messages to Burt family members and friends! Alfred died in 1954 at the age of thirty three, but his legacy has brought joy to untold myriads of listeners ever since. Artists from Nat "King" Cole to the Boston Pops Orchestra and Chorus have popularized what conductor John Williams described as "mini-masterpieces." The sixteen voice a cappella choir directed by arranger Jimmy Joyce (who had worked with Alfred in the Alvino Rey Orchestra) is sprightly and surefooted in their performance, which was recorded in 1963. A sentimental and popular favorite.
Listen to "Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Wind" in Real Audio.
| 6896 CD $15.98 |
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Jingle Bells Silver Bells Frosty the Snowman White Christmas Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town The Christmas Song Here Comes Santa Claus Winter Wonderland Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas Bride Sleigh Ride Greensleeves (What Child Is This?) |
"Ray Conniff," we were thinking as we opened "Christmas With," "elevator music." Then we played the CD, and found ourselves flooded with memories of what Christmas was like for us, growing up in the 50's and 60's. The smell of hot roasted nuts and fresh chocolates at the bustling five and dime as we stepped into the warmth out of a snowstorm, and what was playing in the background was Conniff's "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer." There are 12 delightful songs here, each lightly (and jazzily) accompanied, and each arranged by Mr. Conniff in his inimitable manner, using the voices as the main focus of the orchestral fabric, and gaining special inspiration from the cheery character that most of the songs have. Of course there are ballads like the classic "Silver Bells," the romantic "Christmas Song," "Greensleeves" and "White Christmas," but most of the songs, "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty The Snowman," "Sleigh Ride" and "Christmas Bride," are as bright, innocent and jolly as befits a Christmas dancing party. We loved every cut and bet you will too!
Listen to Sleigh Ride in Real Audio.
| 4759 CD $9.98 |
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Here We Come A-Caroling Silent Night God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Away in a Manger Joy to the World Adoramus Te The Real Meaning of Christmas Go Tell It on the Mountain What Child Is This? O Tannenbaum It Came Across a Midnight Clear O Little Town of Bethlehem |
Previously released as a Columbia LP that was probably pulled out and played to distraction every Christmas thereafter, this reissue captures the joyous innocence and cheer of Christmas in the 50's and 60's like the tiny flakes in a snow globe. Each of these 12, all lightly accompanied songs has "Arr: R. Conniff" under them, and it's physically impossible to feel sad while listening to a Conniff arrangement. The title tune, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy To The World," "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "O Tannenbaum" and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" are given upbeat, jazzy-pop tempos, while "Silent Night," "Away In A Manger," "Adoremus Te," "The Real Meaning of Christmas," "What Child Is This" and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" are slower ballads. The Singers' sound is bright, sweet and sincere—exactly how we like it!
Listen to It Came Across a Midnight Clear in Real Audio.
| 4758 CD $9.98 |
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Jingle Bells Frosty the Snowman Santa Claus Is Coming to Town We Wish you a Merry Christmas I¹ll Be Home For Christmas White Christmas Christmas Song And the Bells Rang The First Noel Away in a Manger We Three Kings Silent Night Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |
The last CD featuring original member Bob Flanigan and the arrangements of Dick Reynolds, this mostly-accompanied CD (listen to the spectacular "trombone choir" on "Silent Night"!) was recorded in 1992. The Freshmen have become a sort of post-graduate institution for singers everywhere; their approach to chord voicings - dropping the root of a five-part chord, and the ingenious placement of the remaining notes - galvanized audiences and critics alike. Phil Mattson contributes an arrangement of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," showing his respect, while "And The Bells Rang" chimes brightly with the excitement of this very special "Freshmas"!
Listen to The First Noel in RealAudio.
| 4772 CD $14.98 |
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Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Do You Here What I Hear White Christmas The Christmas Waltz Lullaby For Christmas Eve The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On A Open Fire) Home For The Holidays Oh, Holy Night Blue Christmas What Child Is This The Star Carol The First Noel |
OK, we admit we had a thing for the Lennon Sisters when growing up, especially Janet. And all these songs are accompanied, possibly by Lawrence Welk himself, and the orchestra. That said, this CD is as corny, sentimental and wonderful as any Christmas CD we've ever heard! The sisters sing these 12 standards ("Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Do You Hear What I Hear," "White Christmas," "Lullaby For Christmas Eve," "Home for the Holidays," "What Child Is This," "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire), "Oh, Holy Night," etc.) as brightly and sweetly (and with as perfect enunciation) as you could possibly imagine. Just tuck us in, leave the cookies and milk for Santa by the fire, put on this CD and we're set for that long winter's night!
Listen to White Christmas in Real Audio.
| 4463 CD $14.98 |
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Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Little Drummer Boy Christmas Island Adeste Fideles I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus Silent Night White Christmas Jingle Bells Away In A Manger Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Winter Wonderland O Little Town Of Bethlehem Joy To The World I'll Be Home For Christmas |
Recorded in 1959 this is the Sister's first Christmas recording and one they have fond memories of. The lovely cover photo of the fresh-faced teens in velvet red dresses is of the age of when "Little Janet" singing "I Saw Mama Kissin Santa Claus" was a highlight of the legendary Lawrence Welk Christmas shows. "Winter Wonderland" was one of the very first songs the girls sang for Welk at a charity event and which led to their later frequent appearances on his show. This reissue is a classic and adds a wonderful touch of nostaligia to the season.
Listen to Adeste Fideles in Real Audio.
| 4592 CD $14.98 |
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Calypso Carnival The Proposal Balance Water Yellow Bird Dance De Limbo Sound De Fire Alarm Bamboo-Tamboo Pig Knuckles And Rice Like My Heart Fisherman's Song Dansez Calenda Joy to the World / I Saw Three Ships / We Three Kings of Orient Are / O Little Town Of Bethlehem The Holly and the Ivy / A La Nanita Nana / Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine / Whence Comes This Rush of Wings The First Nowell / Wassail, Wassail All Over the Town / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Oh Tannenbaum / O Holy Night / Coventry Carol The Wassail Song (Here We Come A'Wassailing? / Oh Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) / Deck the Hall With Boughs of Holly / Silent Night, Holy Night |
Certainly one of our most unusual Christmas CD's on offer, these 1956/57 recordings are a blast of refreshment. The first 12 tracks, from "Calypso Holiday," are accompanied, sung in tribal languages as well as English, French and Spanish, and are guaranteed to cheer up anybody's holiday blues! Songs such as "Yellow Bird," "Pig Knuckles and Rice" and "Bamboo-Tamboo" are a wonderful break from the traditional carols, but lest you miss them, "Songs Of Christmas," features a series of medleys, all a cappella and arranged by Norman Luboff. The Norman Luboff Choir were quite popular in the '50's and '60's, too commercial to be considered classical, but nonetheless their renditions of the holiday chestnuts are first-rate.
| 6418 CD $14.98 |
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Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In Sleep, Sweet Jesus, Sleep As Lately Watched Susan Belle Lo How A Rose Jingle Bells Deck The Halls O Little Town Of Bethlehem Go Tell It On A Mountain O Christmas Tree The First Noel We Wish You A Merry Christmas |
Legendary, Grammy-winning arranger/conductor Johnny Mann and his prolific Singers apply their bright, smooth, spirited Sixties sound to this excellent Christmas collection. Traditional carols like “As Lately We Watched,” “Lo How a Rose,” “Deck the Halls,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O Christmas Tree,” “The First Noel,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” of course are here, wonderful and sincere; but we especially liked lesser known tunes like “Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In,” “Sleep, Sleep Jesus, Sleep” and the lovely “Susan Belle.” The kind of Christmas album they just don’t make any more, and the kind that will be enjoyed again, year after year! Some light accompaniment, but mostly a cappella.
Listen to Susan Belle in Real Audio.
| 7607 CD $14.95 |
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Deck The Halls Ah Bleak & Chill the Wintry Wind Bright, Bright The Holly Berries Jesu Parvule Caroling, Caroling What Are The Signs Nigh Bethlehem While By My Sheep It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Silent Night Joy To The World Wassail Song Carol Of The Russian Children Good King Wenceslas Coventry Carol Oh Come All Ye Faithful Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas |
This 1972 recording continues to set musical precedent almost thirty years later. The combined voices of Don Shelton, Len Dresslar, Bonnie Herman and Gene Puerling are a sound so distinctive and recognizable that they have yet to be improved. From the six Alfred Burt carols to "Deck The Halls," "Good King Wenceslas" and Oh, Come All Ye Faithful," each song is beautifully constructed, a marriage of the traditional with the inimitable personality of Gene Puerling's arrangements. The result is accessible enough for the mainstream listener, and will also satisfy those hungry for heartier fare. Bonnie Herman frequently assumes the lead vocal duties, as on "Carol For Russian Children," her warm tone a sunbeam on a wintry day - listen to the pedal note (uncharacteristically in the treble part) she holds during the coda - amazing color and control. One of our most recommended selections.
Listen to Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Ah Bleak & Chill the Wintry Wind and It Came Upon A Midnight Clear in Real Audio.
| 4203 CD $14.98 |
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Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen Hirten, Wachet Auf! Zu Bethlehem Geboren A La Nanita Nana El Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant La Canzone Di Natale Es Hat Sich Heut Eroffnet Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head Shepherds Come A-Running Lobt Gott Ihr Christen All Gleich Es Wird Scho Glei Dumpa Nu Ar Det Jul Igen Ihr Kinderlein Kommet Der Scheibendudler Carol of the Drum Deine Wangelen Weihnachtslied (Silent Night) |
Who doesn't know the dramatic and true story of the Von Trapp Family, who escaped from their Austrian homeland under the Nazi occupation? This singing family relocated to America, where they performed and recorded for many years. No novelty act, the ensemble, under the direction of conductor Dr. F. Wasner, sings first-rate a cappella arrangements (with the exception of "Ihr Kinderlein Kommet") of European carols, such as the Italian "La Canzone Di Natale," the Tyrolean "Es Hat Sich Heut Eroffnet" and the Polish "Shepherds Come A-Running." Some of these melodies will be familiar to American audiences, but some will not, which is part of their charm. This 1950's era mono recording is clean, present, and immediate; the vocal blend of the group is so natural and perfectly pitched, it requires nothing to complete it
Listen to "Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen" in Real Audio.
| 6427 CD $12.98 |
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Now Is the Caroling Season We Three Kings Winter Wonderland Here We Come Awassailing O Christmas Tree Silver Bells Angels We Have Heard on High In Sweetest Jubilee The Twelve Days of Christmas Master in this Hall White Christmas Now is the Caroling Season / Sleigh Ride Christmas Was Meant For Children Heigh Ho The Holly O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Angels, From the Realms of Glory The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) It Was A Night of Wonder March of the Kings |
For millions of Americans, Fred Waring's second Capitol LP release was the album of recorded Christmas Carols which defined the season musically in their households. Now you don't have to pull that old scratchy record out of the closet for this is the re-release of that recording. Fred Waring was born in Pennsylvania in 1900. He worked his way through college by singing and playing banjo in the group he and his brother Tom formed and called Banjazztra because they were a banjo jazz orchestra. After college they became a national touring success which led Fred into a radio presentation of his music, both instrumental and choral which had roots in collegiate glee club singing and their banjo jazz group. His radio popularity propelled him into being a Sunday Night Television visitor in millions of households In the fifties. Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians added dance and other visual embellishments to captivate the early TV audience but it was the popularity of his music which is his most lasting legacy. So here is one of the most listened-to Christmas recordings ever made. Half of the songs are accompanied while the others are the "pure" choral work of this important group under Fred's direction. Merry Christmas!
Listen to Now Is the Caroling Season in Real Audio.
| 2712 CD $15.98 |
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Opening: I Hear Music Jingle Bells Christmas Was Meant For Children Santa Claus is Comin' To Town Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer One For The Little Bitty Baby Medley (Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, The Sleigh, Winter Wonderland) White Christmas The Christmas Song 'Twas The Night Before Christmas Medley (Adeste Fidelis, The First Noel, Carol Of The Bells) Beautiful Savior God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman The Twelve Days Of Christmas Rise Up Shepard And Foller Oh Gathering Clouds Behold That Star Medley Of English Carols (Suzzani, Coventry Carol, Gloucestershire Wassail) Away In A Manger Cantique De Noel (Oh Holy Night) Silent Night/Come Unto Him v |
For many years Waring and his Pennsylvanians entertained America with radio and tv broadcasts, as well as stage shows and a multitude of recordings. Culled from the Waring archives, the spontaneity and energy of these live recordings comes through from the first cut. Featured are famous Pennsylvanian soloists and the incomparable Waring Glee Club on these 21 wonderful (all big band accompanied) songs of Christmas. We can't really pick favorites here. The jazzy "Jingle Bells" perhaps, or the Teen Trio's solo on "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer" that segues into manic sound-effect silliness." Certainly the "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow Medley," Frank Davis' soulful solo on "One for the Little Bitty Baby," and Jack Best and Gordon Goodman on "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Oh, and we have to include Jane Wilson's solos on "Away In A Manger" and "Cantique De Noel" (Oh Holy Night). The bottom line is, this is great, classic entertainment by, in our opinion, the premier choral organization of all time. Christmas music just doesn't get any better than this!
Listen to "Behold That Star" in Real Audio.
| 7883 CD $14.98 |
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Caroling, Caroling I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day White Christmas O Holy Night Here We Come Awassailing The Twelve Days of Christmas The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) Ring Those Christmas Bells Angels, From the Realms of Glory Winter Wonderland |
Fred Waring and the Pennsylvannians are at it again,this time giving Christmas their one-of-a-kind flavor. The smooth choral textures they present on this album could warm the soul of any who love the christmas season. The album starts out with a powerful fade in of voices in "Caroling, Caroling," followed by a great arrangement of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." They continue with some more beautifuly performed traditional carols including "White Christmas," "Oh Holy Night," "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and a few others, then end with a warm and cozy arrangement of "Winter Wonderland." This CD is a great pick for those looking for something they can relax to in front of a fire on a cold winter's night.
Listen to " The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) in Real Audio.
| 4589 CD $11.98 |
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Talk Christmas / Cool Yule Let It Snow White Christmas Carol of the Belles Catered Holiday Affairs Calypso Christmas Merry Christmas 'Twuz The Nite B4 Jingle Bell Medley I'll Be Home For Christmas Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas |
We all know the tragic story of four young men, the Four Plaids, who were driving the Plaidmobile to their first gig at the Airport Hilton "Fusel-Lounge" when they were killed in a collision with a schoolbus of teenage girls on their way to see the Beatles. The girls, unhurt, made it to scream at the Moptops' show, while the Plaids wandered the astral plane until they were finally allowed back to perform their debut show. All that is documented in the musical comedy hit "Forever Plaid." "Holiday" is the Christmas CD the deathless lads never got a chance to record, featuring nine different "Men in Plaid" and four guest female vocalists. 11 songs, all accompanied, ranging from the straight to the very silly: Favorites: "Talk Christmas/Cool Yule," "Let It Snow," "Catered Holiday Affairs," "Calypso Christmas" with its timely warning refrain, "Matilda, she take me money and go Christmas shopping!," a funky "'Twuz the Nite B4…" "Jingle Bell Medley," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Smooth harmonies and funny bits - "Holiday" brings "Plaid Tidings" to us all!
Listen to " Carol of the Belles" in Real Audio.
| 7463 CD $14.98 |
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We Need A Little Christmas It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Sleigh Ride Silver Ride Silver Bells Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Deck The Halls/Jingle Winter Wonderland Medley: Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Up On Top Of The House Christmas Morning Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful/ Joy To The World/Hark, The Herald Angels Sing Away In A Manger Silent Night Mary's Boy Child The Little Drummer Boy One Solitary Life O, Holy Night It Feels Like Christmas The Christmas Song The 12 Days Of Christmas White Christmas |
From The Opening "We Need A Little Christmas" to the ending song, "White Christmas", The Letterman present a heartfelt program of songs from Christmas past and present. Combining their close harmonies with traditional and updated arrangements this concert is abundant with holiday cheer. The audience seems to enjoy the recognizable songs, and the new ones and in several instances sings along. The first half of the show is given over to secular songs and the second to more religious minded themed carols. Whatever the song the Lettermen deliver them in a sound that has become identifiable with them over the years. This concert is family fare to be shared year after year.
| 4745 DVD $14.98 |
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