Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 

A Half-Century+ of Classic Animated ‘Rudolph’

On Dec. 6, 1964 NBC premiered an animated version of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER with BURL IVES as host. It drew a 50 share and was an instant holiday classic. From a 50 share to 50+ years as a holiday staple, we pay tribute...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Hark the What? Ironies of a Beloved Carol

REV. MARK D. ROBERTS knows 'If you don’t want to tick people off, then don’t change the words of the hymns and carols.' As he explains, 'HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING' is a perfect example of this maxim.
by David McGee
 

 

 

It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)

Often overlooked among holiday evergreens, IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE features CHARLES RUGGLES leading a fine cast in a tale of redemption filmed in New York City in 1947, when 5th Avenue was still a 2-way street. Plus 14 Disney...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Kinda Memorable Bluegrass for Christmas

This year’s crop of new holiday releases has been one of the weakest in recent memory, but even in the strongest years THE ROYS' delightful BLUEGRASS KINDA CHRISTMAS would be a standout.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Christmas Music for All Christmases to Come

Released in 2013 but now gaining traction, THE DEPUE BROTHERS take a batch of largely familiar seasonal gems to new and unexpected places with their exquisite instrumental work and thus create a bonafide Yuletide essential.
by David McGee
 

 
 

45 Years Later, Still Right on Time

The tipoff is in the title: MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH MARTY ROBBINS. One of country's greatest singers is intimately involved in the thoughtful songs he shares with us for the Yuletide including two of his own.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Pt. 2: ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen’ and The Dickens Connection

Ever wonder what is the Christmas carol of Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol'? Evidence points to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' as the carol in question. We make our case herein.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Deep Roots 2016 Yuletide Baedeker

A guide to the Christmas content published over the years in TheBluegrassSpecial.com and Deep Roots, including our 2016 Christmas album picks.
by David McGee