Five vintage holiday songs for your party playlist
Dec 20, 2013 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Santa circa 1870
As you prepare to celebrate with your family and friends this winter, check out five vintage holiday songs that will get your party started on the right foot! Learn more about these classic tunes and impress your guests with unparalleled yuletide knowledge…
Jingle Bells
Written by James Lord Pierpont in the fall of 1857, this tune was originally known as “One Horse Open Sleigh.” The song’s success granted Pierpont a spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and several honors: many of our most cherished singers have lent their talents to the piece, including Bing Crosby and The Andrews sisters, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman – to name a few; it was also the first song broadcast from space by the Gemini 6 astronauts in December of 1965.
Sleigh Ride, 1885
Some speculation surrounds the song’s history. Most think it was written at what was formerly the Simpson Tavern in Medford, Massachusetts. This location had the only piano in town and provided a great vantage point for the community’s winter sleigh races (Pierpont’s inspiration). Yet, he spent time in Savannah, Georgia as well so others think the tune may have been composed there. Interestingly, while the geography remains contested – the original intent for the tune has almost entirely been lost. We now associate it solely with Christmas, but Pierpont meant for it to be played as a Thanksgiving composition.
Up on the Housetop
This tune was conceived in 1864 by the prolific talent: Benjamin Hanby. During his career he wrote around 80 songs. This melody in particular was written in New Paris, Ohio and even though it’s the second secular Christmas song composed (Jingle Bells has the honor of being first), it is the first holiday song that focuses on Santa Claus.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Unlike the previous two songs, this one was inspired by a short story. In 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter with the Montgomery Ward department store, created the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, developed the plucky reindeer’s story into a song. It was commercially produced in the late 1940s as a nine minute cartoon shown before features at the theater. In 1949 Gene Autry sung the tune, catapulting it to number one on the charts.
As a figure, Rudolph personified American, post-war dreams for the nation’s youth: that every child is appreciated for and able to express their unique individuality.
White Christmas
“White Christmas” is the most recorded holiday song and Bing Crosby’s version of the tune held the title of “best-selling single” for over 50 years. Written by Irving Berlin in 1940, the first public performance took place during The Kraft Music Hall show in 1941. Its publicity only skyrocketed when it was featured in the musical, “Holiday Inn,” earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942.
Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney
Some say its more pensive tone is a welcome contrast to the bubbly melodies common during the yuletide season. Perhaps this distinct spirit is what earned it the number two spot on the NPR’s “Top 100 Songs of the Century” list. But we all know it doesn’t have to take top prize on a chart to be number one on our playlist!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
A true Hollywood triumph, this holiday song was written by the lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in the summer of 1945. It was first recorded that same year by the incredible Vaughn Monroe (who has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, by the way). Many other singers followed in Monroe’s footsteps: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Doris Day – to name only a few! Its popularity continues to grow due to its broad appeal and unforgettable lyrics…
Cause A Frockus would like to thank our tremendous resources: Wikipedia, American Music Preservation, Hymns and Carols of Christmas, Snopes.com, and the wonderful people who post their images to Wikipedia without restriction.
For our readers: Tell us, what’s on your holiday party play list??
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