See & Hear the Music:
Easy Christmas Cheer: Volume 3
The following ten songs are included in Easy Christmas Cheer: Volume 3. These are all available as separate singles, but you get the most value by purchasing the whole collection. All of these arrangements are appropriate for intermediates and up!
- Here Comes Santa Claus
- White Christmas
- Jingle Bell Rock
- Mary, Did You Know?
- The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
- A Marshmallow World
- The Christmas Waltz
- Merry Christmas, Darling
🎹 Featured Favorite: “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms)
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“Jingle Bell Rock” is a well-known American Christmas song popularized by Bobby Helms in 1957. Helms’ rendition, produced by Paul Cohen, has become his signature song and is a fixture of the Christmas season’s airplay in the United States. The song’s lyrics are an extension of the classic Christmas tune “Jingle Bells,” with references to other 1950s hits like “Rock Around the Clock” and mentions of a “Jingle hop.” The song’s composition is attributed to Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe, although there’s been some controversy around its authorship.
Helms recorded the song multiple times. His original version on Decca Records in 1957 is the most recognized. It features an electric guitar introduction by Hank Garland that echoes the chorus of “Jingle Bells” and backing vocals by the Anita Kerr Singers. Over the years, Helms re-recorded the song for various labels, including Kapp, Little Darlin’, Certron, and Gusto Records, with slight variations in each version. “Jingle Bell Rock” remains a festive and enduring holiday classic, enjoyed by listeners during the Christmas season.
🎹 Featured Favorite: “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” (Elmo & Patsy)
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“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is a novelty Christmas song written by Randy Brooks and first performed by the duo Elmo Shropshire and Patsy Trigg in 1979. The song humorously narrates the story of a grandmother who is accidentally run over by Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve after indulging in eggnog. The lyrics describe the family’s unconventional reaction, with grandpa nonchalantly enjoying his time while the rest of the family laments their loss and questions whether they should return Grandma’s gifts. The song gained popularity and was re-recorded and released by Elmo Shropshire over the years.
The original version of the song charted on Billboard’s Most Played C&W by Jockeys chart, as well as the pop charts, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Best Sellers in Stores chart. It experienced revivals due to various re-recordings and re-releases, including on different labels like Oink Records and Epic Records. The song’s popularity endured, with its appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in recent years, including reaching No. 3 in January 2020. The song’s catchy and comedic nature has cemented its status as a lighthearted holiday favorite.
🎹 Featured Favorite: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Frank Sinatra)
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“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane in 1943, was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 film “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The song’s origins lie in its creation for the movie, where the characters experience the bittersweet emotions of leaving their home before the 1904 World’s Fair. The original lyrics, which had a melancholic tone, were altered to be more uplifting after feedback from Garland, her co-star, and the director. The revised lyrics conveyed a sense of present happiness and hope for the future. Garland’s version gained popularity among troops during World War II, and Frank Sinatra later recorded the song with further modified lyrics to promote a more positive spirit.
The song’s impact extended to various re-recordings and versions over the years, including a religious rendition titled “Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas.” Despite Ralph Blane receiving credit for the music, Hugh Martin claimed he wrote both the music and lyrics for all the songs in “Meet Me in St. Louis,” citing his lack of business knowledge as the reason for the shared credit. The song’s enduring popularity and its inclusion in various rankings attest to its status as a beloved holiday classic.
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