MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER 25 - THE DAY WE CELEBRATE THE JOYS OF LIFE AND THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST!

Merry Christmas - To coordinate our families' times for Christmas, we celebrated and opened gifts yesterday. Watching my four and half year old grandson relish every second of opening everybody's gifts and enjoying his gifts brought smiles, laughter and love. I hope, whether yesterday, today or tomorrow that you enjoy the feelings this grandest day of celebration brings. Every time I hear the story of the birth of Jesus, I am reminded that it truly is The Reason for The Season.

On this special day please enjoy NO. 1 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN as multi-Grammy winning artist Faith Hill delivers a powerful song celebrating the birth of Christ - A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Also, today enjoy a completely new arrangement of a very old Christmas Classic - for KING & COUNTRY performs  OH COME OH COME EMMANUEL.

 

And no listing of Christmas songs would be complete without this - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings the greatest hymn in the history of religious music with over 2,000 people from around the world - THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS!

And - When today ends, and the kids are finally tired, let this nice little tune by the greatest rock/pop group in history with Ringo Starr send you off with dreams of Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed the tunes brought to you for the ninth year of THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE! THE PRESENTS ARE WRAPPED AND UNDER THE TREE RIGHT!! NO. 2 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

CHRISTMAS EVE! All wrapping done - check! All presents under the tree - check! All cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, etc. cooked - check! Prime Rib, Ham, Turkey in the oven - check! Everything is slowly being put in place for little kids to walk on the ceiling! To celebrate the night before the big day, it is my fervent hope that you and yours are enjoying the grandest of all seasons as we prepare for the joy of family together and being with people that you may not have seen in a long time. And, that we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. 

Today seems a perfect time to hear a cavalcade of British royalty and thespian talent presenting a unique reading of THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - NO. 2 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

Next - A great pop tune celebrating Christmas Eve by Ryan Stevenson as he and his crew celebrate Christmas Eve with a great tune - THIS CHRISTMAS EVE.

And to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is a powerful song written by Chris Tomlin and sung by Lauren Daigle - NOEL!

Have a good one!

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S RANDOM THURSDAY FOR SOME NEW TUNES FOR NO. 3 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today is for those of you hunting for some new music to listen to for Christmas. I have searched high and low to find tunes that are pretty much brand new this season. Three very different artists to help you celebrate Christmas..

First today - ALABAMA doing an acapella number entitled CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE - NO. 3 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN. Wow, this is some fine singing.

Second - One of the best guitarist and singers performing today in Country Music - KEITH URBAN performs a smooth arrangement with a very cool video - I'LL BE YOUR SANTA TONIGHT.

Then, enjoy a great jazz/pop artist who happens to be the daughter of Ravi Shankar, a master of the sitar, who collaborated with the likes of George Harrison, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones - NORAH JONES delivers a completely unique tune and video entitled CHRISTMAS CALLING (JOLLY JONES).

 

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I can't wait. Merry Christmas!

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S HUMP DAY - LET'S LISTEN TO SOME GREAT JAZZ PRESENTED BY SOME AMAZING ARTISTS TODAY - NO. 4 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I've always been a jazz fan - big band, small combo, quartet, great singer and, of course, piano. Jazz has a broad array of different styles and rhythms to see and hear. Today, I'm bringing you some new and some tried and true from the jazz world writing, playing and singing about Christmas. 

First up on Jazz Wednesday, take a listen and enjoy one of the masters of jazz piano - No. 4 on The 2021 Christmas Countdown - Dave Brubeck and his sons performing A Special Christmas Song in 1996. We had the pleasure of seeing Dave Brubeck twice. First time was July 4th Weekend 1969 at the first Atlanta International Pop Festival. For some reason, Brubeck was the only jazz artist featured in three days of pure rock and roll. What an amazing weekend of music hearing Brubeck along with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and Canned Heat. I was mesmerized watching and listening to this amazing artist. Then, we saw him again in 2006 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 86. Again - mesmerized.

The second piece today is performed by a very good friend who just happens to be an amazing pianist and musical artist. Please enjoy this version of The Christmas Song with a very polished group of players from my good friend Regi Stone.

And from a group of very innovative musicians - THE PIANO GUYS bring you - ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH (Christmas with 32 fingers and 8 thumbs).

Only four days! I gotta get some things wrapped. And don't you just love AMAZON!!!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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MERCY ME ON TUESDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS - THESE BOYS CAN PLAY AND SING LIKE CRAZY - NO. 5 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Since 1994, MERCY ME, an innovative Contemporary Christian Band, has brought a whole new sound to gospel music. Bart Millard, the lead singer, has a voice that just grabs you with every phrase. And the band is always blistering or subtle as each tune demands. They always deliver great musicianship on every tune. These guys are not your typical contemporary Christian group. They are constantly looking for new musical innovations to present the Gospel.

Enjoy a very cool rock/pop number by MERCYME - NO. 5 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN.

Today's bonus track, not a Christmas song, features MERCYME doing a very funky song about change and living the good life. The video is outstanding with the band and an ensemble of dancers to get the message across.

Ir's Tuesday - so get up and sing and dance. Christmas is only five days away.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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HOW ABOUT A LITTLE R&B THE MONDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS FROM KEB MO' AND FREINDS - NO. 6 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

The first time I heard KEB MO', I was hooked. His lyrics, his voice and his jamming on the guitar deliver some of the best R&B you will ever hear. I saw this winner of five Grammys live right here in my hometown at the thirty-five-year-old venue - THE MOON. Keb Mo brings poetry to life with the blues. Some blues players can't seem to find anything new to sing or play. But Keb Mo' is always developing something innovative with a new way to hear the blues.

First up today - KEB performs a great innovative Christmas tune written by Koko Taylor around 2009. The video shows KEB playing this tune to get the party going - NO. 6 on the 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS,  

And, in today's Bonus Track, KEB mixes it up with the Tony Award winning singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth on another great Christmas tune. A nice blues arrangement of MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY.

It's Monday and we're headed to the big day.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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ON THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS - ENJOY SOME AMAZING POWER SINGING FOR NO. 7 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I am a tenor. I have been singing loud and proud my entire life. On this Countdown, you will hear some of the best tenors singing today. When you hear a great tenor sing, especially the ones on today's Countdown, you realize the magic and power of the human voice as they go up into the stratosphere with complete control of their voice to bring the true power of any song to your ears and your soul. And the women singers today take it to another level as well.

First up today features one of the greatest Gospel Tenors to ever grace a stage. David Phelps has performed all of the world and has been in and out of the Gaither Vocal Band since 1997. Phelps is a countertenor, which means he can sing well into the alto range vocally. Winner of two Grammys and four Doves, he is a true power singer with vocal subtlety and control. The last note in this performance is insanely high and perfect. NO. 7 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - DAVID PHELPS and OH HOLY NIGHT.

Second tune today - Winners of five Dove Awards and three Grammy nominations - two sisters and a brother bring power singing to a Christmas Classic - The Martins singing Rejoice With Exceeding Great Joy!

 

And Bonus Track No.  2 - The amazing and talented trio - THREE MO' TENORS perform a medley combining HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE BABY JESUS & GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING.

I hope these tunes will brighten your day. It's the greatest time of year.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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TODAY IS SATURDAY - CHRISTMAS IS ONE WEEK AWAY - ENJOY A GREAT SINGER TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD - NO. 8 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Kelly Clarkson is the first winner of American Idol way back in 2002! Since then, she has become a serious pop, rock and R&B singer, winning three Grammys to date and selling over 25 million records, Clarkson has developed and evolved as an innovative writer and performer. This artist has set her own trail in the world of pop/rock. After winning American Idol she became the first female artist to top the Billboard's pop, contemporary, adult pop, country and dance charts. 

First tune today features Clarkson performing the great Christmas Classi SANTA BABY, first recorded in 1953, from her TV Special WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES AROUND - NO. 8 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

Next, we have a song full of irony and some very cool lyrics about enjoying life, particularly at Christmas. The video explains it all, along with the Iyrics in this tune, Clarkson refuses to let changes in her life drag her down, especially during the happiest time of year. CHRISTMAS ISN'T CANCELLED (JUST YOU). Take that and Merry Christmas!!

Then we have Clarkson performig one of the greatest Christmas songs ever with two of the greatest country divas ever - SILENT NIGHT performed by Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire. Wow!

OK my fellow Vagabonds - Only one week left until CHristmas Day. Hope you and yours are taking it all in.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S FRIDAY - HOW ABOUT SOME ROCK & ROLL CHRISTMAS TO GET THE WEEKEND STARTED - NO. 9 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

If you grew up in the late 50's or 60's it's simply a requirement that you love Rock & Roll Music. Today, The Countdown is going to bring you some great Rock & Roll Christmas Tunes. I must admit, they are hard to find. This is not pop or jazz. This is Rock & Roll! Searching for these tunes has been interesting. Personally, I think YOU TUBE is one of the greatest technological advancements in history. It is amazing what you can find if you are willing to take the time and search. Rock music has a long and interesting history which is for another day and another post. Suffice to say, rock music changed music like no other genre. From Elvis to Zeppelin to The Avett Brothers today, Rock is always evolving with new and innovative artists.

First up today - The one and only Steven Tyler of Aerosmith is joined by the great guitarist and country singer Brad Paisley for a hot version of RUN RUN RUDLOPH - NO. 9 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

No Rock & Roll collection could ever be complete without something from THE KING of ROCK & ROLL - The one and only ELVIS performs from way back, probably in the mid-sixties, a medley of Santa Claus Is Back In Town and Blue Christmas. 

So, get off that couch and get to rocking. It's Friday, the last weekend before the Big Day.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S LYLE LOVETT DAY FOR CHRISTMAS - A TRUE TEXAS TROUBADOUR SINGS - NO. 10 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I am a rabid Lyle Lovett fan. I have seen him live at least four times. His writing, his unique voice and his arrangements, particularly with His Large Band, are always full of irony, humor and poetic commentary about life and love. The first time I saw Lovett was in 1989 on The Johny Carson Show doing a duet with the great alto Francine Reed - What Do You Do! I went out the very next day and bought two CD's. I was hooked. This Texas Troubadour is the recipient of four Grammys and was inducted into The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2007. Seeing him and His Large Band live should be on every music lover's Bucket List.

First up today is a rather interesting tune in which Lovett sings about life and changes in life relative to Christmas. It's a very thought-provoking song to listen to. NO. 10 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - LYLE LOVETT performs CHRISTMAS MORNING.

  

Here's a Bonus Track featuring Lyle and Kat Edmonson performing one of the coolest versions of the Christmas Classic - BABY IT"S COLD OUTSIDE.

And another Bonus Track is not a Christmas tune. However, it is about church, singing and dinner. Like all great writers, especially those from Texas, it tells an ironic story about life. And I can relate to every word. Enjoy a poetic tune that blends country, R&B and jazz - LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND performing CHURCH.

It's Thursday. Tomorow starts the weekend. Only nine days 'till Christmas. Get ready!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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TODAY IS HUMP DAY - ENJOY MORE CHRISTMAS TUNES AND VIDEOS - NO. 11 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today - I found some unusual tunes with videos. There are so many things
out there so you are forced, sometimes, to just go with what feels good at the time. So, it may appear random, but today's tunes have the same purpose as all the others - To brighten your mood, your attitude and your outlook during the Christmas Season. Plus - You must admit that is a pretty cool picture - beauty and the beast. 

First up today - Allison Krauss, the immensely talented bluegrass singer, with a voice that is pure and elegant like freshly fallen snow or clean flowing natural water, sings a duet with one of rock's greatest lead singers - Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. The video is from a great Christmas Movie LOVE THE COOPERS starring John Goodman and Diane Keaton and a great supporting cast. Enjoy Light of Christmas Day for NO. 11 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

And you can't get any more random than this next track - Leon Redbone and Dr. John bring you - FROSTY THE SNOWMAN. How's that for serendipity?

It's Hump Day all day. Just three days 'till the weekend!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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TODAY IS BIG BAND DAY FOR CHRISTMAS - TAKE A LISTEN AT SOME AMAZING PERFOMANCES FOR NO. 12 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I have been a fan of Big Band Music since i was a kid. The horns, the drums, piano and the stand-up bass have always brought great music from way back in the day to contemporary sounds of today. Bands lead by such greats as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. More recently, with bands lead by the likes of Doc Severinson, the great drummer Buddy Rich and Wynton Marsalis, this uniquely American style of music is alive and well. I heard the Count Basey Orchestra perform with the great Tom Jones in Jacksonville, Florida in the mid-sixties and, more recently, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra lead by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis two years ago.

First up - From 2015 - The United States Air Force Band honoring WWII veterans with a killer Christmas Medley at Union Station in Washington, D.C.. In addition to the band an amazing dance troop from NYC performed and the Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah Lee James, was the lead singer on Jingle Bells along with a contingent of other great singers. How cool is that? So - Enjoy - The USAF Band tearing up a great Christmas Medley - No. 12 on the 2021 Christmas Countdown. The crowd was much impressed.

Then - First Bonus Track - The Wynton Marsalis lead Jazz at LIncoln Center Orchestra featuring soloist Veronica Swift performs Everybody's Waitin' On The Man With The Bag!

  

And last on today's Big Band Countdown - The Incomparable Doc Severinson leads the Doc Severinson Orchestra with players from The Tonight Show Band - Jingle Bells!

 

That kind of music just makes me smile big!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S MONDAY AGAIN - HERE IS SOME CHRISTMAS HUMOR FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY - NO. 13 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

OK. It's Monday and I know you can't wait 'till the weekend to go to one or
two parties or get togethers. So, today, you will hear one of the truly great send ups of Christmas. A little humor is a good thing in this Post Covid time we are living in. I have been told that this song reminds some people of their own family - cousins, sister in laws, brother in laws, aunts, uncles, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. So, I hope this tune will brighten your week as you prepare for Christmas and all the parties that you will, no doubt, be invited to.

Robert Earl Keene is one of my favorite country artists. His ability to write lyrics, both serious and not so serious and deliver each song he performs with flair and conviction sets him apart from other performers. He is a classic Texas Troubadour. He and another great Texas Troubadour, Lyle Lovett, are best friends, In other words - He's the real deal. He was inducted into The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2019. To date, He has released eighteen albums. I hope you enjoy and have a good laugh as you listen to this great Christmas Tune by the one and only Robert Earl Keene - Merry Christmas From The Family - No. 13 on The 2021 Christmas Countdown. My son and I saw Robert Earl perform this song in Atlanta and all three thousand or so people knew every single word and sang right along with him. Fabulous!

Merry Christmas To Your Family. LOL!!

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S SUNDAY AGAIN AT CHRISTMAS - HOW ABOUT SOME POWERFUL TUNES PROCLAIMING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST - NO. 14 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

It's Sunday today. Only fourteen days 'till the day we celebrate the birth of The Savior of The World - Jesus Christ. There is something about this time of year that brings people together unlike any other time. Today features some amazing, powerful songs and videos proclaiming the birth of Christ.

O Holy Night has graced Christmas for over 170 years. It is one of the truly great carols of all time. Today's song and video by The Piano Guys and the talented fifteen-year-old Lexi Walker, who sings O Holy Night lyrics with Ave Maria's melody. Her angelic voice makes this Christmas classic like nothing you have ever heard.

For another incomparable vocal performance please watch and listen to Lauren Daigle perform NOEL as written by Christ Tomlin. 

Joy To The World and Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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HOPE YOU'RE ENJOYING YOUR SATURDAY - ONLY TWO WEEKS 'TILL IT'S HERE - PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME AMAZING COMMERCIALS AND STORIES ABOUT CHRISTMAS - NO. 15 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today, I thought I would share some touching and entertaining commercials and stories honoring Christmas. They all remind us of the beauty and joy of Christmas. Even the Grinches have to acknowledge the season and the giving between families and friends and people you don't even know. 

First, please take a look at a commercial that will bring back memories of the good times through generations - Bouygues Christmas 2018. Dancing never looked so good.

This track will bring tears to your eyes. It's about the love and desire to make Christmas really mean something to those you love. It's simply called - A BEAUTIFAL CHRISTMAS.

And a unique presentation of the humanity of people from different parts of the world who halt the fighting in 1914 in WWI to enjoy the spirit of the season with people they don't even know. The first video explains the famous event and the second is a reenactment of how it could have happened according to historical accounts - CHRISTMAS 1914.

When I think about the goodness of people, especially this time of year, it just makes me feel really, really good. Enjoy your weekend.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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OK - TODAY IS FRIDAY - A PERFECT DAY - MICHAEL BUBLE' - ALL THE WAY - SO I SAY - MERRY CHRISTMAS NO. 16 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I have been a Michael Bublé fan since the first time I heard him sing. He captures the essence of all of the great music performed in the forties by the SInatras, the Tormes, the Crosbys and many more while bringing his own modern interpretation to some of the greatest tunes ever written. Then, later, when I saw how he was discovered singing at a wedding by one of the greatest producers and managers of contemporary musicians in the recording world - David Foster , this Canadian singer's place at the top of the old school jazz performers list is fabulous for people who love and appreciate great music. I have had the privilege of seeing this incredible talent perform live twice.

So, today, because it's Friday and only fifteen days 'till the big day, I have included two outstanding examples of this modern-day crooner's outstanding interpretations of some classics - First up - No. 16 on the Christmas Countdown - The video starts with Blue Christmas, the classic made famous by Elvis. Hearing and seeing the trumpet player makes this video a must see. Also on this video is a unique vocal performance of Silver Bells with Bublé backed up by the vocal group 7 Naturally that toured with him on four different world tours.

Then a BONUS TRACK, a very short clip, featuring Bublé singing COME HOME with Broadway and Game of Thrones star Hannah Waddington.

Enjoy the day and the weekend my fellow Winter Vagabonds.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S THURSDAY - THE WEEKEND IS ON THE WAY - SO TAKE A LISTEN TO GET YOU READY FOR PARTIES & THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON - NO. 17 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

On a Thursday, what better way to get ready for the weekend and get togethers, parties or just enjoying the season than hearing a classic tune from The Beach Boys in black and white from the TV program SHINDIG! ? Hey, back then it was very hip! I was a wandering ninth grader in 1964. My middle school days were spent doing things I shouldn't have been doing. I was in the band and had been moved to tuba, which I loathed. 

THE BEACH BOYS, formed in 1961, became one of the hottest pop/rock bands to ever record. I saw them live in Tully Gym at Florida State when I was in high school, and they were amazing. The band, with the musical genius Brian Wilson writing most of their songs, have sold over 100 million records to date. Their album Pet Sounds, released in 1966, is considered one of the most innovative albums ever recorded in pop/rock music.

So, today, just take yourself back when life was simple and enjoy THE BEACH BOYS performing an original Christmas tune written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love - NO. 17 on the 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

The Beach Boys are still around and still touring. They have new members, but Mike Love, one of the lead singers is eighty! I say, keep it up. To give you a taste of this innovative group from the sixties performing today, here is an interesting split video showing Brian Wilson performing in 2004 and Mike Love singing lead in 2018 on LITTLE SAINT NICK.

Time does, indeed, march on, but I refuse to let go of great things and memories, especially music. Hope you feel the same. The bottom line - the music from the sixties still resonates today.

Merry Christmas to all Happy Vagabonds

D.L.Stafford

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WHITE CHRISTMAS MUST BE SUNG ALL THE TIME DURING DECEMBER - ENJOY NO. 18 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today, I am posting three different arrangements of one of the most classic Christmas songs ever recorded. Written by the incomparable Irving Berlin in 1942, the composition won an Oscar at the 15th Academy Awards. That's before I was a gleam in my mom and dad's eyes! The song was originally recorded for the film Holiday Inn in 1942. However, a new version of the song was featured in the 1954 film White Christmas. From that point on, this simple song became a Christmas standard. 

The first video of this classic is in black and white, from 1951, featuring Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee. The song still holds the record for the highest selling single in recording history - Fifty million copies sold. So enjoy - WHITE CHRISTMAS by Bing & Peggy in 1951 - NO. 18 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

Then the song was performed in a major scene in the movie White Christmas featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen in 1954.

And last but not least, enjoy a new contemporary jazz vocal version of this classic tune by the Australian pop-vocal group Human Nature.

So, I hope you enjoy these different arrangements of White Christmas, even though here in God's Country we get snow about every ten years or so. Incidentally, my parents gave me Bing Cosby's White Christmas album when I was a kid and I listened to it every night during Christmas season. I still have it. Great music!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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TODAY - ENJOY A VERY CREATIVE SOUTHERN ROCKER SINGIN ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS - NO. 19 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

The description of Zach Williams laid out on his web site cannot be improved on - Here is a brief description of this Grammy award winning artist. 

"Zach Williams’ powerful and poignant journey spans how a boy with a storybook childhood filled with wonderfully nurturing parents, a strong and supportive grounding in the church, and a warm and loving local community was seduced away by the illusion of rock stardom, and the drug and alcohol excesses that can so often accompany that lifestyle. 

These days, the Jonesboro, Arkansas-raised and currently Nashville, Tennessee-based artist is a renewed man. He’s a husband, a father, and has also become one of CCM’s leading artists and songwriters by carving a niche with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting, which quickly awarded him his first GRAMMY with his debut album, 2017’s Chain Breaker."

Today's tune captures what the above summary describes about this innovative singer and his band - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN - NO. 19 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN. Williams' version of this classic really rocks!

And for a powerful BONUS TRACK - Here is Zach Williams with one of the greatest country singers on the planet - Dolly Parton singing - THERE WAS JESUS.

Christmas is coming fast. I hope you have completed most of your shopping by now. I love shopping online. It's the only way in my book.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S MONDAY MORNING - GET SOME ENERGY FROM A GREAT TUNE WITH DANCING - NO. 20 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

GOOD MORNING - IT'S MONDAY! I really hope you will get lively and ready to conquer the week after hearing today's Countdown tune. The Andrews Sisters were hot, hot, hot in the forties. When they recorded their 1941 hit Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy it started a career that eventually led to the sale of over 80 million records. During the war years they entertained the Allied Troops extensively in Africa and Italy. Their vocal harmonies influenced many great artists from Mel Torme to The Beach Boys. You can hear their influence today as well. Any time you hear three-part harmony singing, you must give the Andrews Sisters credit for being the first to sing those creative vocal arrangements.

So today, you will hear a great cover version of Last Christmas by Post Modern Jukebox singers Sara Niemietz, Cristina Gatti and Arian Savalas with tap dancer Melinda Sullivan. No. 20 on the 2021 Christmas Countdown. This tune really kicks - Enjoy.

And to show the innovative singing by this trio from the forties, I have included a BONUS TRACK entitled THE ANDREWS SISTERS AT THE HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN. It's not a Christmas song but you will get an idea of the how this amazing group sang back in the day.

And, because it's Monday, I decided to add another Bonus Track with Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters singing a great Christmas Classic with a very cool video - Mele Kali Kimaka. 

So, take a listen and get going. I know you still have Christmas Shopping to do. Time's running out.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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FIRST SUNDAY IN DECEMBER - LISTEN TO SOME OF THE GREATEST SINGING YOU WILL EVER HEAR - NO. 21 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

First - a personal note. I grew up singing gospel music. At the age of twelve, my father called a family meeting and announced that we were going to form a gospel quartet and sing in church or wherever we were invited. It was the classic - Daddy sang bass - Momma sang tenor. My brother was the lead and I sang baritone (I later became a tenor). So, I have sung gospel music almost my entire life. My dad would drag us to gospel sings all over the south when I was a kid. Gospel music became part of my DNA and I still love singing and hearing great gospel music today.

Bill Gaither, along with his wife Gloria, became the driving force behind Southern Gospel Music thriving well beyond its height of popularity in the fifties & sixties. I grew up listening to the greats like Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, J,D. Sumner, The Statesman Quartet and other icons of this genre of music. In the early 1980's The Gaither Vocal Band was formed. 

Since that time the GVB has had some twenty-one different singers. Some of the greatest high tenors such as Larnelle Harris, David Phelps Guy Penrod, Michael English and many others have been in and out of the quartet over the years. Winner of two Grammys and twenty DOVE Awards, this talented group of singers has traveled the world proclaiming the joy of the good news through gospel music.

Today, I have included two videos showing the amazing vocal skills of this group. First, please enjoy MARY WAS THE FIRST ONE TO CARRY THE GOSPEL - NO. 21 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

And for a Bonus Video, listen to the amazing acapella singing as they perform THE CAROL MEDLEY.

I hope you enjoy today's presentation of this great gospel music proclaiming the birth of Christ.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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TODAY - HOW ABOUT A LITTLE DANCING FROM THE NEW YORK CITY ROCKETTES - NO. 22 ON THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

The ROCKETTES of New York City, 

founded in 1925 in St. Louis, have been
performing as a precision dance company at Radio City Music Hall since 1932. Their most renown show is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  i have told many people - seeing The Rockettes in Radio City Music Hall at Christmas should be on every person's Bucket List. They are truly amazing to watch, listen and enjoy this incredible group of dancers perform. Over three thousand women have performed with this amazing dance institution since 1933. One of my observations - When we saw them perform at Radio City in December of 2014 - How in the world do they find that many women the same size and height that can dance? But that's another post for another day. 

The Rockettes must be seen live to truly appreciate the precise dancing they perform. The dancers that perform are one of two teams with thirty-six women in each team and four standbys. They perform eight different dance numbers in each show.

Please enjoy The Rockettes performing some serious dancing, with some of the most precise footwork by an amazing team of thirty-six women dancers - No. 22 on THE 2021 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

And a Bonus Video for today. The Rockettes as Toy Soldiers. Amazing - Enjoy.

Just makes you feel like dancing - gotta dance the night away!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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