We have a collection of 9 arrangements for Felix Bernard - Winter Wonderland
How did "Winter Wonderland" evolve from a seasonal ballad to a jazz standard? Learn!
Felix Bernard was a Canadian-American composer and songwriter known for his contributions to popular music in the early 20th century. He is particularly famous for co-writing the beloved holiday song "Winter Wonderland." Here are some interesting facts about Felix Bernard and the song:
Co-writer of a Holiday Classic: Felix Bernard co-wrote "Winter Wonderland" with lyricist Richard B. Smith. The song was first published in 1934 and has since become a timeless holiday classic, covered by numerous artists and featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Inspiration from a Hot Summer's Day: It's said that Felix Bernard was inspired to write "Winter Wonderland" during a particularly hot and sweltering summer day. He wanted to escape the heat by imagining a wintry, snow-covered landscape, which led to the creation of the song.
Originally Written for a Revue: "Winter Wonderland" was originally written for a revue called "New Yorkers," which premiered in 1934 at the Broadway Theater in New York City. The song was first performed in this revue by Richard Himber and His Ritz-Carlton Orchestra.
Early Recordings: The song was first recorded by Richard Himber and His Ritz-Carlton Orchestra in 1934. Other early recordings include those by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, who had a popular version that same year.
Chart Success: "Winter Wonderland" quickly gained popularity and became a chart-topping hit. Over the years, it has been recorded by numerous artists from various musical genres, including Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin, and Darlene Love.
Versatile Holiday Song: While "Winter Wonderland" is primarily associated with Christmas, its lyrics do not specifically mention the holiday. This versatility has allowed it to be embraced as a winter-themed song suitable for various winter celebrations, not just Christmas.
Songwriting Royalties: Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith earned royalties from the success of "Winter Wonderland." The song's enduring popularity has ensured a steady income stream for their families and estates over the decades.
Cultural Impact: "Winter Wonderland" has had a significant cultural impact, and its lyrics and melody have been parodied and referenced in various forms of media. It has also been used in countless holiday-themed movies, television specials, and commercials.
Covered Worldwide: The song's enduring popularity has led to countless cover versions in multiple languages, making it a beloved holiday song around the world.
Awards and Recognition: While Felix Bernard is best known for "Winter Wonderland," he composed other songs as well. In 1935, "Winter Wonderland" received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, cementing its place in the American cultural landscape.
Felix Bernard's "Winter Wonderland" continues to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer with its timeless melody and lyrics, making it a cherished part of the winter season.