Darlene Love has been a fixture in Christmas music since she first recorded "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" in the 1960's. One of my favorite annual traditions is catching her appearance on David Letterman's show. Darlene is recovering from a heart attack, so I thought I'd post this here and make sure we're all thinking good thoughts for her. This is her appearance from last December. Doesn't she still sound amazing? Hang in there, Darlene! And get well soon!
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Lots of talk about the Rolling Stones lately, as their 50th anniversary is this year. Surprisingly, in such a long career, the Stones have never released a Christmas song. Keith did do a solo single, covering Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run", in the 70's, but that's about it. In 2004, Mick Jagger got involved with the remake of the movie "Alfie", and for that soundtrack, he recorded a duet with Joss Stone, which has become another one of our most requested songs. Here's Mick and Joss with "Lonely Without You (This Christmas)"... For many, Jon Anderson is known, or at least recognized, as the lead singer of Yes. He's also put out about a dozen albums on his own, not to mention soundtracks and collaborations with others. In 1985, he released a Christmas album called "3 Ships". Despite producing a top forty single (rare for a Christmas album) and strong sales, it disappeared from the marketplace over the next couple of years. In the decade that followed, it quickly became one of the most sought-after CDs on eBay, and counterfeit copies were going for well over $100. Finally, in 2007, the original album was remastered and re-released, with a few extra tracks (and it's still available, though just the CD, not digitally). From that album, here's Jon's original Christmas song, "Easier Said Than Done" It's hard to believe that in their long career, the Eagles have only given us one Christmas song, that being a 45 released after the successful "Hotel California" album. Their cover of the Charles Brown original has become a standard, becoming one of those rare Christmas songs to actually hit the charts when it was first released (cracking the top twenty), and becoming a fan favorite year after year. They even added it as a bonus track on their 2007 album "Long Road Out Of Eden". Here's a fan-made video with some holiday lights to hopefully cool off your hot July weekend, with the Eagles' "Please Come Home For Christmas"... The Moody Blues have certainly given us decades worth of terrific music. Until recently, though, there hadn't been much in the way of Christmas music. In fact, other than a recording of "What Child Is This", I don't think there was anything until the release of their Christmas album "December" in 2003. Here they are in a fan-made video, bringing their distinctive sound to the classic "White Christmas"! Mannheim Steamroller has been a supporter of our station since the beginning. They've given us so many wonderful Christmas albums over the years, yet I can still remember walking into Record Bar in December of 1984 and hearing that first album being played in the store. It's great that Chip Davis and Company are still at it. Here's a performance from last December - one of the most-requested songs on the Sounds of Christmas! Christine McVie is best known for her nearly thirty years with Fleetwood Mac. That band never released any Christmas tunes, though Stevie Nicks did record a version of "Silent Night" for the first Very Special Christmas collection. As far as I know, Christine McVie has only recorded one Christmas song. This isn't much of a video, just the one image, but it's great to hear her version of "The Coventry Carol"... Judy Pancoast released a terrific and fun Christmas album in the 90's called "The House On Christmas Street". Her songs have quickly become some of the most popular and most-requested songs on the Sounds of Christmas. Recently, she's been nominated for a Grammy (for best Children's Album). Judy's also recorded new Christmas music, which you'll definitely be hearing when we go back on the air this Fall! In the meantime, since it's Judy's birthday, here's her wonderful original Christmas song, "The House On Christmas Street"! Rascal Flatts have released a handful of Christmas songs, both as singles and as part of a deluxe edition of their Greatest Hits collection. Here's their version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas", an official video from their own YouTube channel (and Happy Birthday, Gary)! For those who don't know, the Beatles sent out Christmas messages to members of their fan club every December. These were pieces of songs along with holiday greetings (and quite a bit of goofing around in the studio). In the 1970's, John, Paul and George each released a seasonal single. Ringo waited until 1999, and then he released a whole Christmas album! Since it's Ringo's birthday this weekend, I thought I'd give you a little bonus. If you click on the picture below, you'll go to Ringo's MySpace page, where you can listen to every song on his Christmas album (for free, even if you don't have a MySpace account)! 
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