CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Ever since I was a little kid, Christmas music was for me a very important part of the Yuletide celebrations.  As far as I can recall, the yearly ritual of trimming the tree was always accompanied by traditional holiday music my mom would play on the living room phonograph and that music became imbedded in my subconscious so deeply that, from then on, Christmas wasn't really Christmas if we didn't play those beautiful songs.

Over the years, my musical tastes have varied somewhat but not so much as to draw me away from the vintage recordings I heard during my early years. I still enjoy those old Xmas tunes and I have collected a sizable amount of seasonal cds to help me remember my first family Christmas celebrations.
And of course, like everyone else I suppose, I have my special favorites among them.

This is the first Christmas album I remember I listened to while fixing the tree's decorations.

I wonder what ever happened to "The Caroleers".

The ever popular Bing Crosby staple! And Frank Sinatra's chart topping Jolly Christmas album!

 

 

No Christmas is complete without the sound of the Ray Conniff singers or Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The smooth crooning sounds of Dino and Andy Williams also help to make the season bright.

  

Another indispensable classic: Nat King Cole's Christmas Song!

The Boston Pops arrangements of Christmas classics were big favorites in my household.

                                      

Orchestral versions of traditional holiday music are essential to get you in the Christmas mood.

Shopping malls know this all too well!

GOODBYE, JERRY LEWIS!

                           "I've had great success being a total idiot!" - Jerry Lewis quote.

Jerry Lewis, the comedian and filmmaker who was adored by many, disdained by others, but unquestionably a defining figure of American entertainment in the 20th century, died on Sunday morning at his home in Las Vegas. He was 91.

So read the news reports when Jerry Lewis passed on. His unique comedic talent  was not everybody's cup of tea but he earned a great following during his peak years.

Lewis burst literally into the spotlight as the crazy half of  the comedy team of Martin & Lewis. Singer Dean Martin was the straight man and Jerry stole the  show with his way out, over-the-top antics.

The pair split in 1956 and Jerry went on to gain even greater success in films like THE DELICATE DELINQUENT, THE LADIES MAN, THE BELLBOY, THE PATSY, THE DISORDERLY ORDERLY and THE NUTTY PROFESOR, which was his biggest success and the film he is mostly remembered for.

He hosted the annual Labor Day weekend telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association beginning in 1966 up until 2010, when some disagreements with the association's president, led to his resignation from the event.

In 2009 he was the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his charitable activity.

Jerry was also the subject of a series of comic books published by DC Comics (first with Dean Martin and then as a single), in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

An animated cartoon series called "WILL THE REAL JERRY LEWIS PLEASE SIT DOWN?" by Filmation, ran on ABC from 1970 to 1972.

Thank you, Jerry, for all the joy, fun and laughter you gave me and millions of people all over the world!