I think I might have liked him if “O Tannebaum” had not been the first thing I ever heard from him. His voice was good, but his delivery was very affected. I suppose that really is a matter of personal taste. Now that you mention it, “The Christmas Song” is another Christmas song that I find rather annoying, no matter who sings it. Maybe I need to listen to some of his standards to make a more informed judgment.
Some singers just grate on people. It’s really just a personal thing, as you said. I’ve never cared for certain singers that people give high praise to. Never cared for Perry Como. He just sounds so smooth, but sort of empty to me.