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LET THERE BE MUSIC
by Neil Stevens

initially published in the Greater London Pensioner

White Christmas

Christmas always has a special effect, this became even more so in the Summer of 1942, with pipe-smoking Bing Crosby, "Holiday Inn," and Irving Berlin's perennially popular White Christmas

Bing had already previewed the song on his 1941 Christmas Eve radio show. Film opened on August 4, 1941 in New York (Casemount Theatre),   and London (Plaza). Mr. Berlin, then appearing at New York's Broadway Theatre in his smash-hit WW2 show. This is the Army.

Reviews of Holiday Inn although unanimous there was barely a mention of White Christmas. By September 1942 the Crosby single was selling apace, leading to its sensational success!

Dance Bands on both sides of the Atlantic were quick to record, including Ambrose and Geraldo at home. Jimmy Dorsey and Glen Miller in the U.S.A.  The song topped the American hit parade for 10 solid weeks from November 1942 through January 1943.

With so many other Christmas songs readily available, several Christmas number ones, tin-pan-alley was always eager to cover seasonal single charts.

Every thing here from Cliff Richards Mistletoe and Wine, Slade; Merry Christmas Everybody, Harry Belafonte; Mary's Boy Child, David Bowie and Bing Crosby; Little Drummer Boy, Johnny Mathis; When A Child is Born and other home grown favourites, by Billy Reid for Dorothy Squires; Snowy White Snow and Jingle Bells and from popular Dickie Valentine, the educational Christmas Alphabet

Swing fans will love A Merry Christmas from Stan Kenton, still voluminous after 40 years; its sheer power can't be beaten. Peggy Lee's Christmas  Carousel includes the jaunty "/ Like a Sleigh Ride", while the loveliest in three quarter time. The Christmas Waltz composed by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn and splendidly interpreted by Frank Sinatra.

While scouring for a Christmas treat there's The Essential White Christmas on a Prism CD, a grand, glorious parade of songs from both Holiday Inn and 1954's White Christmas.  This merry- making   marvel   includes   Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee, a double helping of Sisters, Danny Kaye with the ever rhythmic The Best Things Happen While You 're Dancing and the most expressive lullaby ever, from Bing Crosby Count your Blessings Instead of Sheep, and the still super seasonal sensation the one, the only White Christmas.  

Have a happy one!