White Christmas

Steyn On-line ^ | December 10, 2017 | Mark Steyn

[Twotone]

Welcome to the first of our December celebrations of the big hits from the Christmas songbook.

We start with one of the most beloved seasonal numbers, which celebrates its 75th birthday this holiday season: In December 1942, the Number One hit on the Billboard chart was the very first record of this song by Bing Crosby. This special Song of the Week audio edition includes rare material from the Steyn archive and a special live performance of "White Christmas". Mark visits the home of Mary Ellin Barrett, daughter of the man who gave us "God Bless America", "Blue Skies", "Easter Parade" and many more. (That's Mary Ellin with her father at right.) Mark and Mary Ellin gather round Irving Berlin's old piano, the one with the special lever that enabled him to change key while still playing in F sharp. Mary Ellin recalls childhood Christmases in the Berlin household and the mistake her mother found in the verse of "White Christmas", as well as the tragic events of Christmas Day 1928 and the long shadow they cast over the Berlin family. And we'll hear how Irving Berlin's great song sounds on his very own keyboard.

All that plus vintage Bing, a wartime warbling by the composer himself, other Berlin songs including the heart-rending "When I Lost You" - and a special live performance by Monique Fauteux, one of the great treasures of Québec music, who last joined Mark for their bilingual rendition of "Roses Of Picardy".

To listen to this Song of the Week audio edition, simply click the link above.

[sneakers]

bttt

[pfflier]

"Do You Hear What I Hear" was originally written as an anti-war song during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The "Star with a tail long as a kite" was metaphorically an ICBM at launch.

The song does translate well into the Christmas theme though and Bing presented it in that light. It just depends on how you want to listen to the lyrics.

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/12/the-apocalyptic-fear-within-do-you-hear-what-i-hear/420459/

[AlaskaErik]

I’m dreaming of a green Christmas. No, I’m not leaving Alaska for Christmas. There is simply no snow on the ground.

[Architect of Avalon]

“Silver Bells” and “Do You Hear What I Hear” are Bing’s best.

[stylin19a]

Crosby’s version is the best-selling single of all time.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Bump.....

[Fiji Hill]

"Do You Hear What I Hear" was originally written as an anti-war song during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The "Star with a tail long as a kite" was metaphorically an ICBM at launch.

While the song did become a hit during the Christmas season following the crisis, I doubt if anyone made that connection.

[Fiji Hill]

This is my favorite Christmas recording involving Bing Crosby, who is one of a quartet who are humming.

Silent Night--Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra (1928)

[Mozilla]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE9XVKka_tA

[pfflier]

I doubt if anyone made that connection.

I never did until I read the story behind it.