During the holidays, people enjoy traditional songs that they do not listen to during the rest of the year. Many of these songs have long and interesting histories. Here are the “biographies” of a few of our favorite Christmas songs:
History of “Jingle Bells”
First written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, this popular song is different in that it does not mention Christmas, Jesus, Santa Claus or any of the other iconic figures associated with the holiday: it is simply about winter fun. The lyrics and tune have changed slightly from the original version. Most people are only familiar with the first verse: the other “lost” verses deal with a young man riding his sleigh around, trying to impress the girls. Trivia question: what's the most-hated Christmas song? According to the Washington Post, it's a 1955 Danish recording of dogs barking Jingle Bells.
History of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
This is one of the older Christmas songs still popular today: early versions of it date from the sixteenth century. It is this long history which gives the song its varying melodies: it has been altered in terms of melodies and lyrics several times. Since 1984, PNC bank has annually updated the Christmas Price Index, which tallies the cost of all of the gifts mentioned in the song: in 2007 the total cost was $19,507.25
History of “Winter Wonderland”
Winter wonderland was written in 1934 by the composer/lyricist combination of Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith, and was a Christmas staple of the Big Band era. The original lyrics, about pretending that a snowman is “Parson Brown,” are often substituted for ones about a circus clown, perhaps because the position of parson is rare these days. It has been covered countless times, by artists as diverse as Mandy Moore and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The song is one of the most popular in terms of radio airplay requests, particularly the version recorded by the Eurythmics.
History of “O Holy Night”
O Holy Night is a traditional French hymn. It is a combination of a poem written by Placide Cappeau and a melody written for the poem by Adolphe Adam: the song itself, “Cantique de Noel” was completed in 1847. It was soon translated into other languages: the English “O Holy Night” dates from 1855. There is some interesting trivia associated with this song: in 1906, Canadian inventor Reginald Fessenden made what many consider to be the first ever radio broadcast in Brant Rock, Massachusetts. His brief broadcast included him playing “O Holy Night” on violin, making it the first song ever broadcast on radio.
History of “Little Drummer Boy”
Written and composed by Katherine Davis in 1941 (some claim the tune is an old Czech hymn), the song hit the charts the following year when it was recorded by the Harry Simeone Chorale. Although it was a hit, it wasn’t until after the 1968 stop-motion animated retelling of the story began airing annually on NBC that it became hugely popular.
The next time you hear these favorites, remember their long and interesting histories!
To read about the histories of "White Christmas," "Deck the Halls," "The Christmas song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "Good King Wenceslas," click here.
To read about the histories of “I’ll be home for Christmas,” “Silent night,” Hark! The herald angels sing,” “Do you hear what I hear” and “Blue Christmas,” click here.
Christopher Minster - I'm a freelance writer. I mostly write about travel, history and culture. I enjoy writing fiction as well.
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