All That Christmas Jazz

Clockwise: Julie London; Lena Horne; Kay Starr; and Nancy Wilson.

Holiday music from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s always warms my heart. When I was growing up, that is the music my Mother listened to, for she had a strong collection of Christmas records, both by artists, and compilations put out by a variety of companies. I remember the Goodyear series, and the A&P series, as well. I sure there were others, but these featured the artists of the day, from Ella Fitzgerald to Doris Day to Dean Martin, and countless others. These days, when I see the Ultra-Lounge collections, I cannot resist them. The four sounds here can be found on the 'Christmas Cocktails' album, which are played every holiday season. I will start off tonight with Julie London singing "I'd Like You For Christmas". The song was written by Julie's accompanist and husband, Bobby Troup. It is sweet, sexy, and fun. This is Julie London with "I'd Like You For Christmas".

When it comes to personal style, few could compete with the one and only Lena Horne. From the way she dressed to the unique phrasing she alone could claim, Miss Horne was definitely one of a kind. I was not a bit surprised to see she had her own distinctive stamp on "Jingle Bells", complete with new lyrics. I hope you enjoy Lena Horne singing "Jingle All The Way" as much as I do!

Now, songs about St. Nick don't usually swing quite as much as "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag". The song was written in 1950 by Irving Taylor, Dudley Brooks, and Hal Stanley. The song was made popular by a recording from Kay Starr, who Billie Holiday once called "the only white woman who could sing the blues." This is Kay Starr with "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag".

There is a delicious warmth to the voice of Nancy Wilson. When you pair that up with a beautiful song written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, you have another winner. "The Christmas Waltz" was written in 1954 for Frank Sinatra, as a B-side for his recording of "White Christmas". The song quickly became a standard, with many wanting to record it. In fact, 14 years later, Wilson made one of her own. This is Nancy Wilson singing "The Christmas Waltz".

Have a great holiday season!

Swingin' Christmas

Clockwise: Julie London; Kay Starr; Nancy Wilson; and Peggy Lee.

It is Saturday night,and my thoughts seem to roam to the smokey clubs of long ago. You know what I mean. The type of club you would find after a little walking in the snow, and you think it is time for a little liquid heat. After shaking the snow off your hat, coat and scarf, you settle in to a talbe, and the waitress brings you a drink. You start to hear the husky tones of the girl singer, and the gentle swaying of the jazz band. The first singer sounds just like Julie London, a favorite of mine. Here she sings I'd Like You For Christmas.



It'd be hard to imagine this without the participation of Miss Peggy Lee, an amazing jazz singer for so many years. This is a recording of Peggy with her very special take on the holiday classic, Winter Wonderland.



Kay Starr wow'ed the world whenever she sang. She started her rise to fame in the 40s, winging with big bands. she continued to perform in the 70s, 80s and the 90s. But a while ago, she definitely had just hte right amount of swing to sing (Everybody's Waiting For) The Man With The Bag.



And there is the glorious voice of Miss Nancy Wilson. No, not one the famous sisters from the rock band Heart, but the jazz singer, who had such an amazing, full stone in her voice. After dropping out of college, Nancy started singing professionally in the late 50s, fronting for a big band. She went on to much success, both as a singer and as an actress. She finishes out our holiday evening, singing That's What I Want For Christmas.