Christmas song thoughts for cordeliadelayne

[innerslytherin]

Hey Cordelia, when you originally asked about American Christmas music, I honestly couldn't think of any. But this morning I was listening to Christmas music on the way to work and realized that you don't get much more American than "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", since it was written by Longfellow in the midst of the American Civil War. You could probably call it an anti-war song as well as a Christmas song, but it's always been one of my favorites, personally.

I'd say "Silver Bells" is probably another American Christmas song, I think it was first done by Bob Hope or Bing Crosby. And "White Christmas" is about Christmas in LA and how he'd rather be somewhere with snow, so I'd call that one an American Christmas song, too. Karen Carpenter sang a song called "Home for the Holidays" and while I don't know how old that song is, it mentions a lot of American locations.

Just a few I could think of off the top of my head. Hope I'm not too late. :D

Comments

[kittehkat.livejournal.com]

I think Perry Como sung Home For the Holidays first. That's the version I've got, at least, and hes definitely predate her, right?

Speaking of Karen Carpenter, what about Merry Christmas, Darling? It's my favorite song she sings. Haha.

We could also argue for Mele Kalikimaka and I'll Have a Blue Christmas. Oh, and my personal favorite, which I'm almost positive is American because it's (Chicago?) blues, Please Come Home For Christmas.

*is nerding out, sorry. I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC.*

[cordeliadelayne]

These suggestions are really helpful, thank you!

[innerslytherin]

Mmm, I love Karen Carpenter's voice. The Carpenter's Christmas music is #1 on my list of what I listen to every year.

Also, "Blue Christmas" definitely fits. My father hates that song. So my mother and I frequently sing it at the top of our lungs. :D I do the words and she does the "oooWOOOOOHHHHEOOOO" parts. As badly as possible. *grin*

[salsify.livejournal.com]

If you don't mind ones that aren't all over the radio, how about "I Wonder As I Wander" or some of the spirituals like "Rise Up, Shepherd" or "Go Tell It on the Mountain"?

[innerslytherin]

I didn't even think about some of the spirituals! Thanks! :)

[cordeliadelayne]

I'm making a note of these, so thank you :D

[krycek-chick.livejournal.com]

There's also Gene Autry's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "The Christmas Song," which was written by Mel Tormé, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", which was introduced in a Judy Garland film, "Winter Wonderland", "Santa Claus is Coming To Town", "The Christmas Waltz", and "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow". Actually, now that I'm looking up the composers, loads of the Christmas songs out there that aren't traditional carols have been written by Americans!

[innerslytherin]

I love "The Christmas Waltz". :D

[cordeliadelayne]

Yay to songs I've actually heard of! I'm making notes of these suggestions, so thank you :D

[cordeliadelayne]

Thank you!! That's actually exactly the kind of thing I was looking for; something that combines Christmas and history is perfect for the fic idea I have in mind.

[innerslytherin]

LOL Excellent! :D

[cordeliadelayne]

And I will now spam your comments thanking your flist too. *g*

[chaoticprose.livejournal.com]

And what about "Christmas Time is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas, by American jazz musician, Vince Guaraldi?