We have a collection of 5 arrangements for Meredith Willson - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
What classic holiday musical featured this beloved Christmas song? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Meredith Willson: The Music Man of Broadway
Meredith Willson was a prolific American composer, conductor, and playwright known for his contributions to musical theater and popular music. Although he is best known for writing "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," there are some interesting facts about him and the song:
Musical Background: Meredith Willson was not only a composer but also an accomplished flutist and piccolo player. He played in the famous John Philip Sousa band, where he honed his musical skills.
A Broadway Success: Before writing "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," Meredith Willson achieved Broadway success with the musical "The Music Man" in 1957. It won him several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Composer and Lyricist.
Song Inspiration: The song "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" was written in 1951. Willson was inspired to write it while staying in a hotel in Hollywood, where he noticed the festive decorations and holiday spirit that was starting to permeate the atmosphere.
Popular Recordings: The song has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Johnny Mathis. Bing Crosby's rendition is particularly famous and remains a classic Christmas song to this day.
Hollywood Connection: Meredith Willson's songwriting talents also extended to Hollywood. He wrote the score for the film adaptation of "The Music Man," which was released in 1962 and starred Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.
Multiple Verses: The song has several verses, each describing different aspects of Christmas preparations and decorations. While the first verse is the most well-known, the other verses add depth and detail to the festive imagery.
Variations and Parodies: Over the years, various adaptations and parodies of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" have been created, reflecting changes in culture and holiday traditions. These adaptations have kept the song relevant and enduring.
Radio and Television: The song has been featured in countless radio and television programs, further cementing its status as a holiday classic. It is often played during the Christmas season and is associated with the joy and anticipation of the holidays.
Meredith Willson's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" continues to be a beloved and cherished holiday song that brings festive cheer to people around the world during the Christmas season.