Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 
holy night featured

The Anti-Slavery Roots of ‘O Holy Night’

Attacked for his opposition to inequality, slavery, injustice and other kinds of oppression, French poet PLACIDE CAPPEAU insinuated his unpopular thoughts into an 1847 poem that became 'O Holy Night'
by David McGee
 

 
 
rudolph rankin bass featured

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
 

 

 
george tammy featured

The Ol’ Christmas Yin-Yang

GEORGE JONES & TAMMY WYNETTE cut only one Christmas single as a duo, but solo, each artist made worthwhile contributions to seasonal music. This Classic more than earns its title.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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What Christmas Is As We Grow Older

In his 1851 essay, 'What Christmas Is As We Grow Older,' CHARLES DICKENS emerged from despair to summon his youthful optimism about the future course of human events.
by David McGee
 

 

 
Chris Ruggiero Christmas With

The Heart of the Matter

Pop, soul and doo-wop come together on 23-year-old CHRIS RUGGIERO's first Christmas album. Underneath Ruggiero's impressive voice is something else: pure, unadulterated heart.
by David McGee
 

 
 
christmas stockings featured

Holiday Music Stocking Stuffers for 2021

A trio of delightful musical interludes for the holidays courtesy The TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS, NINETEEN HAND HORSE and TAYLOR RAE. We need a little Christmas, right this very minute.
by David McGee
 

 

 
marley featured

The Deep Roots Video Holiday Card

From DEEP ROOTS to our readers, a holiday card of the video variety, featuring the ghost of Jacob Marley, Ralph Kramden of The Honeymooners and Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong in memorable seasonal moments
by David McGee
 

 
 
Self adhesive1 1974 USA 1552 featured copy

Christmas 1974: Santa (USPS) Brings the 1st Self-Adhesive Stamp

Those self-adhesive stamps we so love? Christmas 1974 brought the first of what were then considered experimental issues, featuring the Dove of Peace weathervane from George Washington's Mount Vernon home. Much trial-and-error ...
by David McGee