We have a collection of 30 arrangements for Irving Berlin - White Christmas
What classic holiday film first featured "White Christmas"? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Irving Berlin: The Father of American Songwriting
Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas" is a classic holiday tune with an interesting history:
Written in Warm Weather: Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" in 1940, while staying at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. The irony is that he penned this iconic Christmas song during a heatwave in the desert!
Best-Selling Single of All Time: "White Christmas" is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Bing Crosby's 1942 recording of the song alone has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
Movie Debut in "Holiday Inn": The song made its movie debut in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn," starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. It won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Revived in "White Christmas" Film: The song became even more famous after it was prominently featured in the 1954 musical film "White Christmas," which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. This movie is also a beloved holiday classic.
No Snow in Beverly Hills: In the song, there's a line that goes, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know." Irving Berlin was living in Beverly Hills, California, when he wrote the song, where white Christmases are quite rare. So, he was likely reminiscing about his childhood in New York.
Presidential Honors: Irving Berlin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955 for his contribution to American music.
International Appeal: "White Christmas" has been translated into many languages and is popular around the world. It's a song that transcends cultural and language barriers, making it a global holiday favorite.
Covered by Numerous Artists: Over the years, countless artists have covered "White Christmas," including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, and many more, making it a timeless classic that continues to be reinvented.
Song of Nostalgia: The song's enduring popularity is often attributed to its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and homesickness, which resonate with people during the holiday season.
Recorded Multiple Times: Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas" multiple times during his career, with the 1942 version being the most famous. His 1947 re-recording is also well-known and considered one of the best-selling singles of all time.
"White Christmas" remains an iconic and cherished song, embodying the spirit of the holiday season for generations.