“Merry Christmas Darling,” Carpenters, 1978
Christmas songs old and new are frequently covered by different artists over the years, and such is the nature of these things. Personally, I think this one shouldn’t be touched.
TRIVIA: the official name of the duo was just ‘Carpenters’ without the definitive article.
“Someday at Christmas,” Stevie Wonder, 1967″
Another song borne of the turbulent 1960s, Stevie Wonder is very direct about his displeasure about men ‘playing with bombs like kids play with toys,’ but the song takes an optimistic turn in its hope for a better world, even though ‘maybe not be in time for you and me.’
“Peace On Earth/The Little Drummer Boy,” David Bowie and Bing Crosby, 1977
Recorded for a television special (Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas) in September 1977, the counterpoint “Peace on Earth” was specifically written for David Bowie, who reportedly hated “The Little Drummer Boy” and refused to sing it, although he does accompany Bing at the start. Those two great talents from two different times combined to make something wonderful.
Sadly, Bing Crosby passed away five weeks after the taping at the age of 74 and David Bowie at the age of 69 in 2016.
The video below has the full segment, the song starts at about 1:45
“Run Rudolph Run,” Chuck Berry, 1958
This song is one of the few that mentions Rudolph outside of the original song, and just like “If It Doesn’t Snow on Christmas” it also willfully ignores the ‘fact’ that Santa’s reindeer can fly.
“Happy Xmas (War is Over),” John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 1971
Originally written as a protest song against the Vietnam War, this song has become a standard and has been covered by many artists. As far as I’m concerned, the song just isn’t without the same without the little exchange between John and Yoko at the top.
“Last Christmas,” Wham!, 1984
Just like Winter Wonderland (from day 2), this is a synth-heavy tune performed by a duo in the 1980’s. How’s that for a coincidence?
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” Bruce Springsteen, 1975
Recorded live at C.W. Post College in Greenvale, New York, The Boss sounds like he’s having a ball performing this staple. The banter between Bruce, The E Street Band, and the audience at the start adds an extra layer of fun to the song.
“Wonderful Christmastime,” Paul McCartney, 1979
Paul McCartney has been accused of writing ‘Silly Love Songs’ by some folks. John Lennon supposedly chastised him for writing ‘granny music’ before the Beatles’ breakup. I unabashedly enjoy pop music myself, including this Christmas tune, and as Paul once sung: “What’s wrong with that?”
“Feliz Navidad,” Jose Feliciano, 1970
While most (including myself) only know of Jose Feliciano through this Christmas staple, he has enjoyed international success for many years and was the first person to publicly perform “The Star Spangled Banner” in a non-traditional manner before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series. I will confess to getting just a small kick out of hearing non-Spanish speakers attempt to sing it. 😉
“There’s Always Tomorrow,” Janice Orenstein, 1964
Featured in the classic Rankin-Bass stop motion version of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this song holds a special place in my heart. I often say that some songs ‘make my eyes misty’ but to this day this one still brings a tear or two to my eye, especially if I am watching the show.
Eduardo Soliz 