Christmas

Technorati tags: 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007

Monday, November 19, 2007

J.B. Sings White Christmas for You

How many guys can claim that they’ve recorded the first Irving Berlin Music Company approved rendition of “White Christmas” since 1954.

J.B., pictured here, claims this honor.

Berlin wrote this song in 1942.  With over 500 versions out there, what does this Savannah, Georgia native, J.B., now living in Atlanta, bring to “White Christmas?"

Listen to the first 1 minute 47 seconds of the track, and find out.

J.B.’s “White Christmas” is smooth.  Do you hear just a little touch of Freddie Jackson?

Find out more about J.B. at JbSings.com

Technorati tags: J.B. Sings White Christmas for You

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Top 25 Christmas Holiday Songs

What are the top 25 Christmas holiday songs in the past 5 years?  ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers has put together a list based upon radio airplay.

Some quick facts:

• Oldest songs: “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland” (both 1934)
• Newest song:  “Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Feed the World)” (1984)

• Most recorded holiday song: “White Christmas” with over 500 versions in dozens of languages
• Songs introduced in film and television:
  
  “White Christmas” in Holiday Inn (1942)
  
  “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
  
  “Silver Bells” in The Lemon Drop Kid (1950)
  
  “A Holly Jolly Christmas” in TV special Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1962)
  
  
• Writer with most top holiday songs: Johnny Marks with 3 - “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas"
  
  
• “Sleigh Ride” is the only holiday song written originally as an instrumental for a symphony orchestra. The Boston Pops Orchestra gave the first performance in a concert conducted by Arthur Fiedler at Symphony Hall in Boston, May 4, 1948.  The Boston Pops Orchestra recorded it in June of 1949. Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1949.

You can vote for your favorite Christmas songs among 24 PowerhouseRadio.com favorites.

Here’s the ASCAP list.  We’ve added a classic soul or R&B artist who has recorded the song (if applicable).

At the end of the list, you’ll find a link revealing the artists who get credit for having the most popular versions (based on radio airplay).

1. “Winter Wonderland”
Written by: Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith
Aretha Franklin

2. “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Written by: Mel Tormé, Robert Wells
Nat “King” Cole

3. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Written by: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin
Dionne Warwick with Gladys Knight

4. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
Written by: Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie
Jackson 5

5. “White Christmas”
Written by: Irving Berlin
Otis Redding

6. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

7. “Jingle Bell Rock”
Written by: Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe
Persuasions

8. “Sleigh Ride”
Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish
The Ronettes (most popular artist)

9. “Little Drummer Boy”
Written by: Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone
Stevie Wonder

10. “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer”
Written by: Johnny Marks
Ray Charles

11. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”
Written by: Edward Pola, George Wyle
Performed by: Andy Williams (most popular artist)

12. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
Written by: Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram
Al Green

13. “Silver Bells”
Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans
Lou Rawls

14. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Brenda Lee (most popular artist)

15. “Feliz Navidad”
Written by: José Feliciano
José Feliciano (most popular artist)

16. “Frosty The Snowman”
Written by: Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins
The Ronettes (most popular artist)

17. “A Holly Jolly Christmas”
Written by: Johnny Marks
Burl Ives (most popular artist)

18. “Blue Christmas”
Written by: Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson
Elvis Presley (most popular artist)

19. “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”
Written by: Meredith Willson
Johnny Mathis (most popular artist)

20. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Written by: Tommie Connor (PRS)
En Vogue

21. “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)”
Written by: Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman
Rupaul

22. “(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays”
Written by: Bob Allen, Al Stillman
Perry Como (most popular artist)

23. “Carol Of The Bells”
Written by: Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich
Yolanda Adams

24. “Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Feed the World)”
Written by: Midge Ure (PRS), Bob Geldof (PRS)
Band Aid (most popular artist)

25. “Wonderful Christmastime”
Written by: Paul McCartney (PRS)
Paul McCartney (most popular artist)

All of the most popular artists singing these songs are noted in the ASCAP Top 25 holiday songs on their web site (along with their methodology for compiling the list).

Check out our review of the Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, and the Powerhouse Radio Christmas holiday playlist.

Let’s wrap things up with 10 Legendary Classic Soul Christmas favorites:

1. “The Christmas Song” Nat “King” Cole
2. “Every Year, Every Christmas” Luther Vandross
3. “Silent Night” Temptations
4. “This Christmas” Donny Hathaway
5. “Someday At Christmas” Stevie Wonder
6. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” Jackson 5
7. “White Christmas” Drifters
8. “Happy Holidays To You” Whispers
9. “Christmas In Hollis” Run DMC
10. “Christmas Rappin’” Kurtis Blow

Technorati tags: Top 25 Christmas Holiday Songs 10 Legendary Classic Soul Christmas favorites

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Darlene Love Shines on It's Christmas of Course 2007

Darlene Love, the famous voice of The Crystals, has released her first Christmas Album.

It’s Christmas Of Course features a welcome blend of contemporary holiday songs from the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Darlene digs right into a variety neo-classics, showing her versatility as a singer.

You won’t find Irving Berlin or Felix Mendelssohn inspired Christmas music on this upbeat release.  Darlene Love is a child of the rock and soul era.  She punches out these multi-genre holiday anthems with allegiance to the rhythmic pop beat.

"We had a rule on this album: no oldies. We wanted to leave the ‘50s and ‘60s behind,” according to Shawn Amos, Vice President of A&R for Shout! Factory, (the record label releasing Love’s It’s Christmas Of Course).

Darlene is an example of how talent and luck can keep one in the game for the long haul.

She’s had her share of hits with The Crystals under the guidance of Phil Spector.  She’s paid her dues singing background vocals for Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, The Mamas and Papas, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, and Cher.

What I like the most about It’s Christmas Of Course is how Darlene Love sings such a wide range of material with authority, refinement, and subtlety.

But then, she’s worked with the best.

I like all of the tracks on It’s Christmas Of Course, however, 4 of my favorites are:

• “Who Took The Merry Out of Christmas”
• “Please Come Home For Christmas”
• “What Christmas Means To Me”
• “Thanks For Christmas”

Here are all of the tracks with a notation about the original artists:

1. “Christmas All Over Again” (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
2. “Who Took The Merry Out of Christmas” (The Staple Singers)
3. “Christmas Wish” (NRBQ)
4. “Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto” (James Brown)
5. “Please Come Home For Christmas” (Charles Brown)
6. “2000 Miles” (The Pretenders)
7. “Christmas Is The Time To Say ‘I Love You’” (Billy Squier)
8. “What Christmas Means To Me” (Stevie Wonder)
9. “Christmas Must Be Tonight” (The Band)
10. “Thanks For Christmas” (XTC)
11. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (John & Yoko & The Plastic Ono Band w/the Harlem Community Choir)
12. “Night Of Peace” (Original Song)

Cissy Houston, the famous mother of Whitney, is a guest vocalist on “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)."

The first track, “Christmas All Over Again,” features a nice retro arrangement bringing to mind some classic Spectoresque girl group gusto.  You know it’s Darlene Love when you hear this one.

Darlene gets gritty on “Who Took The Merry Out of Christmas,” and “Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto.” She’s got a lot of soul in her powerful voice.

Whatever your musical taste, these 12 songs offer a fresh and enjoyable take on a cross-section of neo-classic holiday favorites.

Even though this is Darlene’s first solo Christmas album, she recorded “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” for Phil Spector’s Christmas album in 1963.

Love has performed the song for the past 20 years on David Letterman’s Late Show television broadcast.  Dave says that the performance is his favorite thing about Christmas.

What else has Darlene been doing in recent years? Just Lighting up Broadway with her performances in… 1) “Grease,” 2) the Tony-Award nominated “Leader of the Pack,” and 3) her current 2-year run as Motormouth Maybelle in the Tony-Award winning “Hairspray."

Darlene Love will appear at the Lincoln Center in New York City on December 17, 2007 for her annual Christmas Concert performance.

She’ll also appear on The David Letterman Show for the 22nd consecutive year on December 24, 2007.

Technorati tags: Darlene Love It’s Christmas Of Course 2007

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Keith Sweat's Sweet Christmas of Love 2007

Somewhat late to the 2007 Christmas party is Keith Sweat, who is scheduled to release A Christmas of Love on November 20th.

Sweat has been busy this year, hosting his own syndicated radio show, The Keith Sweat Hotel, live from Atlanta, GA, most nights from 7pm - midnight.

Keith has written 3 songs for his brand new Christmas collection: “It’s Christmas Again,” “Once A Year,” and “Under The Tree."

Sweat is one of the few survivors from the late 1980’s “new jack swing” era.

His trademark is “slow jam” magic, and Keith Sweat fans won’t be disappointed in the interesting mix of songs on A Christmas of Love.

Sweat is credited with forming the group LSG with the late Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill.  They released Levert-Sweat-Gill in 1997.

Keith has produced songs for The Isley Brothers, The O’Jays, Dru Hill, and Men At Large.

A Christmas of Love features:

1. “Be Your Santa Claus”
2. “Party Christmas”
3. “It’s Christmas Again”
4. “The Christmas Song”
5. “All I Want For Christmas”
6. “Once A Year”
7. “Nothing Like Christmas”
8. “Point Of Christmas”
9. “Under The Tree”

   Technorati tags: Keith Sweat A Christmas of Love

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 11/01 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • News • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Thursday, October 18, 2007

   Patti LaBelle's Christmas 2007

   Patti LaBelle’s Miss Patti’s Christmas is a pleasant surprise, but it shouldn’t be.

   The vocal chops of Miss Patti are never in question, but the fear that this would be another typical Christmas song collection was.

   Fear not!  Miss Patti’s Christmas is an unusually surprising good mix of both the secular and sacred.

   Dynamic duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who’ve had a great 2007 with plenty of work, guide this project as the executive producers.

   Clearly, there was a careful process to select just the right mix of songs for Miss Patti’s Christmas.  The contemporary songs are great, the traditional songs are wonderful, and the 2 gospel songs sparkle with praise.

   You won’t find all of the usual suspects on Miss Patti’s Christmas.

   She imprints her legendary personality on traditional holiday favorites: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” and “Away In The Manger."

   We get a different arrangement and a slightly faster tempo on “Away In The Manger,” a Christmas song Patti has previously recorded at a slower tempo.

   "What Do The Lonely Do at Christmas,” made famous by The Emotions, gets a nice update by LaBelle.

   It’s hard to imagine a version of Luther Vandross’ “Every Year, Every Christmas” as good as the original, but once again, LaBelle rises to the occasion.  This is one of the best tracks on the collection.

   You’ll like the contemporary “Christmas Jam,” a rhythmic rouser that opens the album.

   As a package, there’s a good balance between uptempo and slower selections.  Her voice is right in the pocket on the following 10 tracks...

   1. “Christmas Jam”
   2. “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”
   3. “What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas”
   4. “Holiday’s Mean More To Me”
   5. “It’s Going To Be A Merry Christmas”
   6. “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
   7. “Nativity”
   8. “Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child” featuring The Soul Seekers
   9. “Every Year, Every Christmas”
   10. “Away In A Manger”

   Deck the Halls!  Miss Patti’s Christmas is excellent, and highly recommended.

   Technorati tags: Patti LaBelle Miss Patti’s Christmas

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 10/18 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • News • Review • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Tuesday, October 02, 2007

   Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers Celebrate Christmas 2007

   The first ever Isley Brothers Christmas album will be released on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.

   Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, famous for their work with Janet Jackson and others, are the executive producers.

   Recorded and completed in Santa Monica, California, this past Summer shortly before Ronald Isley’s incarceration, I’ll Be Home for Christmas features a mix of old and new.

   Single holiday tracks have previously been available from The Isley Brothers on several Christmas anthology collections (featuring various artists).

   I’ll Be Home For Christmas offers 8 traditional, and 2 contemporary tracks on this brand new collection:

   1. “Winter Wonderland”
   2. “I’m in Love” (a new song written by Jam & Lewis)
   3. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas
   4. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
   5. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
   6. “First Noel/What Child Is This/Joy To The World” medley
   7. “What Can I Buy You” (another new Jam & Lewis song)
   8. “The Christmas Song” featuring Doc Powell
   9. “White Christmas”
   10. “Silent Night”

   I’ll be Home For Christmas follows 2006’s Baby Makin’ Music from The Isley Brothers.

   Former Isley Brothers member Chris Jasper also released a new album this year, the contemporary gospel oriented Invincible.  I’m playing a special remix of “Testify” that I created from the Jasper album.  You can hear it online from Powerhouse Radio.

   Technorati tags: Isley Brothers Christmas

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 10/02 at 07:00 PM
   Christmas • News • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Monday, March 19, 2007

   Phil Spector Faces the Music

   What do several pioneering hit songs from the Crystals, Ronettes, Darlene Love, Righteous Brothers, and Ike & Tina Turner have in common?

   If you guessed the mark of Phil Spector, the musical mastermind behind the famous “wall of sound” production technique, you would be right.

   From “River Deep Mountain High” by Ike & Tina, to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers, Spector created a live, dramatic, layered, sonic studio sound in an era way before multi-track dubbing that was innovative and unique.

   Others have copied the “wall of sound” concept, including Phil Collins in the late 1980’s.

   Spector is currently receiving attention as a defendant in his criminal trial in Los Angeles.

   Here is Phil Spector as “Bad Santa,” with “back to mono” buttons and all, from the cover of the vinyl version of his spectacular classic, Phil Spector’s Christmas Album.  My copy of the album is a reissue on Apple Records from 1972.

   Don’t look for this disguise in court.

   

   Technorati tags: Phil Spector

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 03/19 at 01:02 AM
   Christmas • News • Video • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Tuesday, December 26, 2006

   Bill Withers Gift of Giving Message

   Here’s the picture sleeve and message from a classic soul Bill Withers 45 rpm release, “The Gift of Giving."

   
   

   Enjoy your holiday week.

   Technorati tags: Bill Withers Gift of Giving

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 12/26 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • Photo • Songs • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Monday, December 25, 2006

   James Brown Peace on Earth Message

   Here’s the picture sleeve and lyrics to a classic soul James Brown 45 rpm release, “Hey America, It’s Christmas Time."

   
   

   Merry Christmas!

   ----------

   ***update (at 9:01 AM Eastern) ***

   I decided over a week ago to post three classic soul 45 rpm picture sleeves Christmas week and debated which one to use first.

   Ironically, I chose James Brown for Christmas Day, and I was saddened this morning at about 8 AM Eastern time to learn of his passing at the age of 73.

   Technorati tags: James Brown It’s Christmas Time

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 12/25 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • Photo • Songs • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Tuesday, December 19, 2006

   Puzzling Christmas Songs are no Mystery

   About this time, you should be vibrating with the rhythms of Christmas song melodies, dancing in your head.

   Can you recite the lyrics in your sleep?  You can?  Ok.

   Then you’ll have no problem acing this Christmas song puzzle.  If you can solve it in less than 90 seconds, you are a Christmas song sing-a-long expert.

   Technorati tags: Christmas Song puzzle

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 12/19 at 07:02 AM
   Christmas • Songs • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Wednesday, November 29, 2006

   2006 Colors of Christmas Tour Blends Four Soulful Voices

   Deniece Williams, James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, and Stephanie Mills headline the 2006 “Colors of Christmas Tour” appearing December 7th - December 20th across the USA.

   For over fourteen years, the tour has featured major artists performing together in a concert of traditional Christmas music.  The charismatic vocalists also slip in some of their greatest hits into the show.

   Deniece, James, Peabo, and Stephanie will sing accompanied by a full orchestra and gospel choir.

   Here are some selected dates for the current tour:
   
   

   • Thursday, December 7, 8pm, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center, El Paso, Texas
   • Saturday, December 9, 8pm, Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland
   • Friday, December 15, 8pm Cerritos Center, Cerritos, California
   • Saturday, December 16, 8pm Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA
   • Sunday, December 17, 3pm Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA
   • Monday, December 18, 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
   • Tuesday, December 19, 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
   • Wednesday, December 20, 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
   • Friday, December 22, 8pm, Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit, Michigan

   Flashback: ten years ago today on November 29, 1996, Roberta Flack, James Ingram, Aaron Neville, and Peabo Bryson were featured in an early Colors of Christmas Tour in Clearwater, Florida.

   Technorati tags: Colors of Christmas Tour 2006

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 11/29 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • News • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Wednesday, November 22, 2006

   Christmas Favorites with an African Beat

   Some of South Africa’s best talents are featured in a new collection of Christmas songs called, “African Christmas."

   You’ll easily recognize the melodies on this 2006 release.

   Traditional Christmas carols are sung with melodic African voices in a variety of tempos.

   Stylistically, “African Christmas” reminds me of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Miriam Makeba, and other South African artists who have exported their culture to the world.

   "Christmas Favorites with An African Beat,” (the CD’s subtitle), kicks into high gear with Bongani Masuku, Mandisa Dlanga, Max Mthambo, Vernon Abdul, and other personnel.

   Zulu-flavored renditions of the following classics are featured:
   
   

   1. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
   2. Away in a Manger
   3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
   4. Joy to The World
   5. Little Drummer Boy
   6. When A Child is Born
   7. Silent Night
   8. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
   9. Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer
   10. Jingle Bell Rock
   11. The Sun Shines Down (on A Christmas Day)
   12. White Christmas
   13. Jingle Bells
   14. African Christmas (Acapella)

   This is a good CD.  We’ll definitely be playing a few tracks from it on Powerhouse Radio in the weeks ahead as we get closer to Christmas.

   Check out the Powerhouse Radio Christmas song playlist, and share it with your friends.

   Technorati tags: African Christmas Christmas Music

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 11/22 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • Review • (0) Comments • Permalink

   Wednesday, November 15, 2006

   Bootsy Collins Collars Christmas Funk

   I was thrilled to listen to Bootsy Collins’ brand new 2006 Christmas CD, “Christmas Is 4 Ever."

   Early in his career, Bootsy played bass guitar in James Brown’s band.

   He went on to much success with his own group “Bootsy’s Rubber Band."

   Bootsy would eventually team up with George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic entourage to make more funky music for the masses.

   Mr. Collins has not lost his musical sense of humor.  Along side of the laughs, funk fans get the real deal on these energized holiday classics.

   "Christmas Is 4 Ever” features Bootsy and recognizable friends serving up some soulful chestnuts.

   MC Danny Ray and Bobby Byrd hammer home the Yuletide theme on the opening track, “N-Yo-City."

   "Merry Christmas Baby” and “Jingle Belz” are delivered like you’ve never heard them before with the pulsating Bootsy beat.

   Snoop Dogg dazzles with Boosty on “Happy Holidaze."

   “Chestnutz," also known as The Christmas Song, is dedicated to Natalie Cole as Bootsy digs into the Mel Torme classic, (immortalized by Nat King Cole).

   The next three CD tracks keep the beat pumping.  They feature appearances by Fred Wesley on “Boot-Off, and George Clinton on “Santa’s Coming."

   "Silent Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Dis-Christmas,” (AKA “This Christmas") thump along, with clever holiday anecdotes from Bootsy introducing the songs.

   Two original tracks wrap things up, “Be-With-You,” with Zapp Troutman on keyboards, and the title song, “Christmas Is 4 Ever,” spotlighting vocals from Bootsy and Bobby Womack.

   "Christmas Is 4 Ever” is contemporary to the max.  Bootsy has done a great job with these holiday classics creating some fresh funky arrangements.

   I’ll pick “Santa’s Coming,” AKA “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” as the stand-out track, featuring Miss Candis Cheatham singing co-lead with Bootsy.  George Clinton pops in the track to deliver a Christmas message.

   Here are the tracks again:
   
   

   1. N-Yo-City
   2. Merry Christmas Baby
   3. Jingle Belz
   4. Happy Holidaze
   5. Chestnutz
   6. Winter FunkyLand
   7. Santa’s Coming
   8. Boot-Off
   9. Silent Night
   10. Sleigh Ride
   11. Dis-Christmas
   12. Be-With-You
   13. Christmas Is 4 Ever

   Bootsy puts this special message on the CD booklet, “Say it loud! I got funk and I got style.” Not many Christmas CD’s can say that!

   Technorati tags: Bootsy Collins Christmas Music

   
   
   
   Posted by King on 11/15 at 12:02 AM
   Christmas • Review • (0) Comments • Permalink
   Page 1 of 2 pages  1 2 >