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
 

 
 

More Than Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees

TOM MASON's third Yuletide album, UNDER A MISTLETOE SKY, offers a fine option with which to make Christmas merry and bright, in a year when we really need it to be so…
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Holly & The Ivy: A Small Gem

A different kind of Christmas movie, no less moving for the nuanced role Christmas actually plays in the story. DVD now available.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Classic Restored

Long unavailable on these shores in CD form, a Christmas classic from GLEN CAMPBELL, 1968's THAT CHRISTMAS FEELING, has finally been reissued by Capitol Nashville. Noel!
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘I WONDER AS I WANDER’

STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS: JOHN JACOB NILES's own account of writing 'I Wonder As I Wander,' plus an online discussion of the meaning of 'on'ry' in the first verse.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Tales of Two Carols

Origin stories: 'In the Bleak Midwinter' and 'Angels We Have Heard on High'
by David McGee
 

 

 

Gospel at Christmastime

Bob Marovich's overview of gospel music at Yuletide, from the Elkins-Payne Jubilee Singers (1926) to the Edwin Hawkins Family (1985).
by David McGee
 

 
 

Christmas Blues with a Positive Spin

Appraising a Yuletide gem from Carolina beach music legend, soul veteran CLIFFORD CURRY, and a look back at Curry's interesting career.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Holidays, With Ease

SAMARA JOY, a double Grammy nominee, brightens the Yule season with her new EP, A JOYFUL HOLIDAY
by David McGee
 

 
 

Home is Where the Heart Is

On HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, vocalist JAN DALEY offers a little something for all tastes here, ranging from an opportunity to luxuriate in seasonal romance even as the program gently reminds listeners of why we’re here in the firs...
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Deep Roots Yuletide Baedeker 2023

So many good things inside--behold the YULETIDE BAEDEKER 2023 edition. All the Christmas you could want!
by David McGee
 

 
 

Cuddle Time

This delectable five-song missive--an unassuming but undeniably moving seasonal communiqué--is an affecting followup to Ms. Smith's 2007 Christmas gem, My Holiday.
by David McGee