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 Just a quick message while the WB11 Yule Log burns on TV in the background (it is pictured above too, of course). Hope all my friends and readers will have a wonderful Christmas day today. Also, Christmas Music Guru from the TheYuleLog.com message board sends some corrections about my Christmas Music article below: I read your journal entry on your Blurty regarding your favorite Christmas music. Here is some feedback/corrections: 1) First and foremost, you referred to Leroy Anderson's version of "Sleigh Ride" three different times: first as an "adaptation", then as a "rendition", and then in parenthesis you said "an amazing facsimile thereof". Yes, it was his rendition (although even that word implies interpretation). However, it is highly inaccurate to describe his version as an "adaptation", or especially as a "facsimile thereof". The simple fact here is that Mr. Anderson wrote the song. Therefore, every other version that came after his would be considered an adaptation, or as you said "an amazing facsimile thereof". Eleanor Anderson, his widow who I've had the pleasure of speaking with on several occasions, and his four children, if they read that description, I'm sure wouldn't be very happy about it as well. 2) When referring to Anne Murray's renditions of "Christmas In Killarney" and "No Room At The Inn", you indicated that there are no other interpretations of these two songs that you knew of. Well, I guess I can understand that, because from seeing the picture of yourself that you posted on the site, I can see you are relatively young. Notwithstanding, I'm still a little surprised, because the artist I'm going to mention first is a giant in the subject of Christmas music: Bing Crosby. "Christmas In Killarney" was Bing's hit in 1951. A song he recorded with John Scott Trotter and his orchestra for Decca Records. It was later released in 1955 on the expanded 12" version of his album "Merry Christmas" -- one of the most famous and recognizable Christmas albums of all-time. This album has never been out-of-print and is currently available on CD under the re-titled name of "White Christmas". Bobby Vinton also recorded this song for his album "A Very Merry Christmas", which was released on Epic Records in 1964. Mahalia Jackson made famous the song "No Room At The Inn", which she first recorded with Lionel Hampton in 1955 for Columbia Records. It was originally released on her album "Sweet Little Jesus Boy". Columbia Records re-released it in on CD with the re-titled name "Silent Night, Holy Night". She re-recorded the song in stereo in 1969 for her album "Christmas With Mahalia". This album is also currently available on CD. 3) You indicated doubt as to whether the David Rose that recorded the version of "The Little Drummer Boy" you referred to, was the same David Rose who recorded the very well known song "The Stripper". The answer is yes -- it is the same man. By the way, that version of "The Little Drummer Boy" is from the LP "The David Rose Christmas Album", which was released by Capitol Records in 1968. Unfortunately, it has never been re-issued on CD. Happily, music from this great album is included in the WPIX Yule Log presentation. 1) I did not know that, sorry about that. No offense meant. The "fascimile" comment came from my review of Christmas commercials, I believe...this came from my identification of "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson with that fantastic instrumental, and a friend's wondering if it was the same recording or a soundalike. I did think of Mr. Anderson only with the instrumental, and songs that sounded similar. But wasn't quite aware that it was "his" song. You learn something new each day I guess! 2) Glad I still look youthful ;-) And the key words here were "that I knew of," meaning I never heard other versions besides Anne's. Not that none existed. But oddly enough, shortly after finishing and posting my article, I did start to hear the Crosby "Kilarney" on the radio...maybe someone somehow sending me a signal? :-) :-) Never heard the other "Inns," I'm sure that would be worth checking out. I do love discovering new artists. 3) Thanks for the confirmation on David Rose. Did you ever hear/own the Christmas With The Stars Capitol album I spoke of? It's another fantastic one...was it ever rereleased in any form? Anyway, thank you for your clarifications! Till then, hope you're enjoying the Yule Log as we speak! Merry Christmas! Post a comment in response: |
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