My Favoite Songs - Christmas Edition

I was listening to my Classic Christmas playlist on Spotify today, and came across several of my favoirite songs that I don't think are widely known by many people. The reason I say this is because up until a few years ago, I hadn't heard of them either. Back when we were living in an apartment a few years ago our cable provider also had music channels, and during the holidays there was one channel in particular that played almost day and night. It included all my favorite crooners from the 60's, and introduced me to artists that I wasn't as familiar with. That was how I was first introduced to the songs I'm going to share with you today, I hope you'll enjoy them, and perhaps find a few that are new to you, as well.

Christmas Eve in My Hometown 

by Eddie Fisher

This selection was written by two GI's, Stan Zabka and Don Upton, and is a heartfelt song that was written for the troops during the Korean War  Zabka was a news chief with The American Forces Network and served alongside Eddie Fisher during the war. They were stationed in Germany, where Fisher first recorded the song. It was a huge hit with the servicemen and acrossEurope before it was commercially released in 1951. Kate Smith later recorded the song, which was a hit for her, as well, though I prefer the original version.

Love In A Home

by Perry Como

Before listening to the music channel I mentioned above, I'd never really given Perry Como much thought. I think I might have been familiar with his name, but had certainly never listened to any of his work. To be honest, aside from his Christmas albums, I still don't think I have, but I like his sound so maybe after the holidays I should look at some of his other offerings.

Though there's nothing in the lyrics to suggest that this is a Christmas song, it is featured on Perry's Christmas album, A Perry Como Christmas. The song itself was originally written for the musical Lil'Abner. Still, I love the idea of home as a place of love that these lyrics depict. It became a favorite the first time I heard it.

An Old Fashioned Christmas

by Frank Sinatra

And finally, it wouldn't be Christmas without a song from "The Voice", and this one is one of my favorites. An Old Fashioned Christmas is a wistful 1960 recording of a classic tune written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen and featured on Frank's first Reprise Christmas album, 12 Songs of Christmas.

As you might have guessed, I love these songs for the common thread they share of Christmas at home, the lyrics depicting such lovely images of memories and longings for Christmas at home, the way we remember it. I know this time of year stirs a lot of fond memories of the Christmas of my own childhood. I hope you've enjoyed this post and perhaps found a new favorite tune to add to your own holiday playlist. If you have any obscure favorites, be sure to comment and share! I'm always looking for new selections! 

 

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