12 Songs of Christmas- Song # 4 and # 5
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34369)
December 16, 2017 9:38am CST
Christmas time is here, no not the song the season. Time to sip the egg nog, attend parties, buy gifts, send out those cards, decorate the house and tree, and of course sing Christmas Carols. Which brings me to my topic. A music series of my favorite "Classic songs" with Christmas in the title.
Lets continue our Christmas journey today with two more holiday classics sung by very successful recording artists and accomplished actors as well. But before we jump ahead to our clues how about first listening to another song with Christmas in the title. Sit back and enjoy this interesting tune by Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer
Here are a few facts about the artist and song:
-Although it is often categorised as a Christmas song, this was not Lake's intention. He said that he wrote the song in protest at the commercialisation of Christmas.
-The song was recorded by Lake in 1974 and released separately from ELP in 1975, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart. It was kept from number one by Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Lake has commented: "I got beaten by one of the greatest records ever made.
Ok, from our featured video to those Christmas Carol clues, here goes:
1. This song is based on an 1863 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow written on Christmas Day. Johnny Marks, known for his song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", set Longfellow's poem to music in 1956. This song was on the 12 Days of Christmas album of 1964 which featured other tunes sung by two famous crooners Bing Crosby and this artist. The song's theme centers on the sound of bells and the eventual hope for peace among men.
2. The song was featured in the 1964 Christmas special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in which this well-known actor/singer was the voice of Sam the Snowman. You might remember his role as "Big Daddy" opposite Paul Newman in the movie "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof." He performed this tune as a guest on the "Down Home Country Christmas" episode of Dolly Parton's TV show, Dolly, in 1987. This is a very jolly Christmas song.
There are the clues... Do you know the artists and their hit Christmas songs? If not, enjoy the Christmas video.
Thanks for all who participate, read, and comment on my music trivia posts. As always, thanks for playing! Hope these songs brought back a pleasant memory for some...Use those clues!!!!
*Bio info from Wikipedia
Photo- google images/You Tube
Greg Lake performs his 1975 classic "I Believe in Father Christmas" filmed live at St. Bride's Church, Fleet Street, in the City of London with Jethro Tull' ...
4 people like this
4 responses
@dgobucks226 (34369)
•
20 Dec 17
I've always enjoyed the lyrics in the song. To me, it brings substance to the music, like a salad compliments a great main course. The lyrics can give me clues as to what the artist is thinking as he crafts his tune. It provides the message to the melody. It can tell a story. There is power in words, beauty in the poetry of the song. Just like a wonderful instrumental piece can move the soul, so can lyrics expand the mind...DB
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20261)
•
20 Dec 17
@dgobucks226 I am a handicap in that regard (for all I know, I might be a bit deaf 
). My children did try to convince me that lyrics is everything to the song. I told them, 'give me a good tune first'.
But I understand your view. When I was in my teens, I often mooned over some romantic songs which lyrics were so soulful (but their tunes were not something that one could play easily on a musical instrument). Hmm talking to you like this, suddenly such a song comes to my mind and tempts me to play it again on my piano. (Used to play it on the guitar when I was at a more romantic age!
)
). My children did try to convince me that lyrics is everything to the song. I told them, 'give me a good tune first'.
But I understand your view. When I was in my teens, I often mooned over some romantic songs which lyrics were so soulful (but their tunes were not something that one could play easily on a musical instrument). Hmm talking to you like this, suddenly such a song comes to my mind and tempts me to play it again on my piano. (Used to play it on the guitar when I was at a more romantic age!)1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
16 Dec 17
?, ?. You got me on both this time.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34369)
•
20 Dec 17
I am so sorry Scott. Not my intent. Anyway, who knew Ian Anderson and Greg Lake were friendly? Man, those United Kingdom guys are tight.
Trivia Answers:
1. Frank Sinatra- I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
2. Burl Ives- A Holly Jolly Christmas
Trivia Answers:
1. Frank Sinatra- I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
2. Burl Ives- A Holly Jolly Christmas1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
20 Dec 17
@dgobucks226 - Coincidentally, I've had "Holly Jolly Christmas" in my head this morning.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34369)
•
21 Dec 17
@teamfreak16 It is a catchy tune and has a great hook line, ha, ha.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62164)
• United States
16 Dec 17
Poor Sam the Snowman...nobody knew exactly where to categorize him. He was considered a folk singer, then he had a country hit with “A Little Bitty Tear.” Oh, by golly, he had a unique voice!
Song #1 is certainly a prayer...but right now, as the song says, hate is strong and mocks the song. 
Clueless
Song #1 is certainly a prayer...but right now, as the song says, hate is strong and mocks the song.
Clueless1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34369)
•
20 Dec 17
Hey Clueless,
Yes the singer in #2 I found an interesting read. I always liked the Christmas song and the Cartoon special. But never knew the extent of his successful career. From traveling around the country and playing folk songs on his banjo, to hosting a successful radio program, to winning an Academy Award for The Big Country, he was certainly an impressive figure...
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
16 Dec 17
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Frank Sinatra
Holly Jolly Christmas Burl Ives
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34369)
•
20 Dec 17
Nice job on that one 
Frank does that song proud....
Frank does that song proud....1 person likes this
