We have a collection of 15 arrangements for William Phi - Christmas Variations
Who composed the festive "Christmas Variations" for flute trio? Learn!
Christmas songs have a rich history and are an integral part of the holiday season. Here are some interesting facts about miscellaneous Christmas songs:
"Jingle Bells" Origins: "Jingle Bells" is one of the most well-known Christmas songs, but it was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. James Lord Pierpont composed it in 1857 for a Thanksgiving Sunday school program.
"White Christmas" Best-Selling Single: Bing Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas" is the best-selling single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer": This classic song was created as a marketing gimmick for Montgomery Ward department stores in 1939. It was later turned into a popular animated TV special.
"The Christmas Song" Lyrics: The famous opening line of "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," was written on a hot summer day in 1945 by lyricist Bob Wells. He was trying to cool down by thinking of something cold!
"Carol of the Bells" Origins: This hauntingly beautiful Christmas carol has Ukrainian origins and is based on a folk chant called "Shchedryk." The English lyrics were added in the early 20th century.
"Feliz Navidad" Simplicity: "Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano is one of the simplest Christmas songs, with just a few lines repeated over and over. Its catchy melody and bilingual lyrics have made it a holiday favorite.
"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch": The song from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was originally performed by Thurl Ravenscroft, who was uncredited in the original TV special. Many people mistakenly think it was sung by Boris Karloff, who narrated the special.
"Last Christmas" Cover Versions: Wham!'s "Last Christmas" is one of the most covered Christmas songs. Numerous artists have recorded their own versions, making it a modern holiday classic.
"Do They Know It's Christmas?": This 1984 charity single by Band Aid, featuring many prominent British and Irish musicians, raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia. It remains an iconic Christmas song with a powerful message.
"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer": This humorous Christmas song, sung by Elmo & Patsy, tells the story of a grandma who meets an unfortunate fate on Christmas Eve. Despite its irreverent tone, it's become a holiday staple.
"Little Drummer Boy" Simplicity: "The Little Drummer Boy" is known for its simplicity and repetitive lyrics, emphasizing the humble gift of the drummer boy playing his drum for the newborn Jesus.
"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" First Airplay: The song was first performed on the radio by Eddie Cantor on his radio show in 1934. It quickly became a hit and has been a holiday favorite ever since.
These interesting facts showcase the diversity and history of Christmas songs, which continue to bring joy and nostalgia to people during the holiday season.