"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is a beloved Christmas song written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne. Here are some interesting facts about this classic holiday tune:
Unseasonably Warm Inspiration: The song was written during a heatwave in July 1945 in Hollywood, California. Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wanted to escape the sweltering heat and dreamed of cooler weather, leading them to create a wintry Christmas song.
No Mention of Christmas: While "Let It Snow!" is often associated with Christmas, the song itself does not actually mention the holiday or any of its traditional elements like Santa Claus or presents. Instead, it focuses on the cozy atmosphere of a winter's night.
Popular Cover Versions: Over the years, numerous artists have covered "Let It Snow!" Some of the most famous renditions include those by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Michael Bublé. These covers have helped keep the song's popularity alive for generations.
Chart Success: Dean Martin's version of "Let It Snow!" became one of his signature songs and has charted multiple times over the years. It reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966, more than two decades after its original release.
Movie Appearances: "Let It Snow!" has been featured in various movies, adding to its enduring popularity. It was prominently used in the 1989 movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," as well as in other films like "Die Hard 2" and "Elf."
Snowy Lyrics: The song's lyrics describe a romantic evening by the fire, with the cold weather outside contrasting with the warmth of the love shared indoors. Lines like "Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful" capture this cozy sentiment.
Grammy Recognition: Dean Martin's recording of "Let It Snow!" received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2008, recognizing its enduring cultural and historical significance.
Parodies and Adaptations: Given its popularity, "Let It Snow!" has been parodied and adapted for various purposes. For example, the song has been reworked to reflect different themes and occasions beyond Christmas.
International Appeal: The song has been translated and recorded in multiple languages, making it a global holiday favorite. In different countries, it's known by various titles, such as "Lass es schnei'n" in German and "Que nieve, que nieve, que nieve" in Spanish.
Winter Icon: "Let It Snow!" has become an iconic representation of the cozy, romantic, and festive atmosphere associated with the winter holiday season, even if it doesn't explicitly mention Christmas.
"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" continues to be a timeless classic that brings joy and warmth to people's hearts during the holiday season, making it a cherished part of Christmas music history.