Those are just a handful. Use the search bar in the top left of the page. You can go back to 2010 and search each day I posted. Pretty cool it’s all still there.
I try to post at least one version of Auld Lang Syne. And then a song or two on the year ending/beginning.
And thus ends The Week Between and 2023. I thank you for following me on this annual Christmas blog. I have fun putting it together and hope you enjoy it. The Lord willing, I’ll be back on Thanksgiving next year – the 28th of November — the latest is can be held. (Heck, I might start earlier.) Check out my spotifiy playlist. If during the year you need a blast of Christmas cheer, just put it on.
There are a lot of winter-ish songs that just don’t seem to fit from December 1 through the 25th. The Week Between is a great time to get to those. Let it be known, these are not castaway tunes – they just don’t fit elsewhere.
I’ll start with The White Buffalo and his amazing song, Winter Act 2. (The White Buffalo returns with a New Year’s Eve tune tomorrow).
The White Buffalo is singer/songwriter Jake Smith. You may have heard his music from the TV series Sons of Anarchy, including his cover of House of the Rising Sun in the season four finale of the program.
This is the experience awaiting you on the new album Year of the Dark Horse. Full of self-reflective moments that inspire introspection and personal evaluation, it’s a mostly conceptualized album arguing that the winter is the opportune time for renewal by extricating oneself from the grip of mundane moments and restrictive vices. Meanwhile, the music rises to meet the challenge that the inspired writing presents, whatever genre or mix of genres you choose to label it.
Hey Sweet Annie Don’t take it so bad You know the summer’s coming soon Though the interstate is choking under salt and dirty sand And it seems the sun is hiding from the moon
It’s a wonderful, bluesy, kinda show tune about a snowstorm — and lucky Mrs. Braintree who gets a slow day on a snow day. A brilliant tune.
It’s coming down Snow lays on the chainfields There’s a blessing on the ground It’s coming down If your lanes are crammed with children There’s a blessing on your town On a lucky Monday, Mrs. Braintree All your lanes are waxen silver And the stores are loot for vagabonds It’s coming down Go home! Go home and take a snow day, Mrs. Braintree!
Lyrics Snow Days by Trip Shakespeare
I work at a radio station. I guarantee I will play this song the next time it snows.
Day three of three of my annual post of musicians/singers who passed this year and who recorded Christmas music. Dec 27’s list is here. Yesterday’s here.
The Bells of Dublin is a terrific album released by the Chieftains in 1991. The album featured Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Marianne Faithful, Nancy Griffith and even Burgess Meredith. The record is a wonderful mix of traditional Irish music performed in the old style and with a newer flair. I play it every year.
Sean Keane joined the Chieftains in 1968. In a wonderful obit for Keane, the Irish Times said:
“Keane won six Grammy Awards with The Chieftains, which, over five decades, brought traditional Irish music to new audiences in the United States and across the world. Their many acclaimed performances included being the first Irish group to visit China and the first ever Western group to play on the Great Wall of China in 1983. They played at Glastonbury in 1982 and took part in Roger Water’s The Wall performance in Berlin in 1990, eight months after the wall came down. They were also the first group to perform a concert in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.”
Mylon Lefevre was a rock guitarist and vocalist who performed with the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, the Who, Alvin Lee and many more.
As a 17 year old, and while performing with his family’s band, The LeFevres, Mylon sang an original tune, Without Him. Unbeknownst to young Mylon, Elvis was in the audience and loved the tune. Elvis eventually recorded Without Him on his How Great Thou Art album.
Stating he was “a Christian musician who preached a little, worshiped a little, and rocked a lot,” LeFevre eventually left secular music and became a Dove award and Grammy Award winner for work with his band, Mylon and Broken Heart.
Described by Rolling Stone magazine as an “American original,” Steve Harwell was the band’s lead singer. “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle.”
Due to health concerns, Harwell retired from Smash Mouth in 2021.
In 2005, Smash Mouth released The Gift of Rock, an album of Christmas covers.
Steve Harwell died on September 4, 2023. He was 56 years old.
Smash Mouth – The Christmas Song
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Tony Bennett’s health began to decline around 2016 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the diagnosis, Bennett continued to perform and record, singing publicly for the final time with Lady Gaga at Radio City Music Hall in August 2021.
For many, Christmas isn’t Christmas until they break out their Tony Bennett collection. With reissues, re-releases and compilations, it’s difficult to tell exactly how many Christmas records Tony Bennett released. However, between 1968 and 2008, he “officially” released several including, Snowfall,Christmas with Tony Bennett and A Swingin’ Christmas. The songs Bennett covered through the years have been covered thousands of times by thousands of recording artists around the world. Like Sinatra though, Bennett recorded them long before it became cool to do so. And I think that’s why his versions (and Sinatra’s) hold up so well.
Anthony Dominick Benedetto aka Tony Bennett, died on July 21, 2023. He was 96.
Ames played the role of an American Indian for the Daniel Boone show and The Rifleman but showed up regularly on programs such at McCloud, The Danny Thomas Show, In the Heat of the Night, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and Murder, She Wrote.
Gordon Lightfoot received sixteen Juno Awards—for top folk singer in 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977, for top male vocalist in 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973, and as composer of the year in 1972 and 1976. He received ASCAP awards for songwriting in 1971, 1974, 1976, and 1977, and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. In 1974 Lightfoot’s song “Sundown” was named pop record of the year by the Music Operators of America. In 1980 he was named Canadian male recording artist of the decade, for his work during the 1970s.
Born in Ontario, Canada, the folk-rock legend first hit the Billboard Hot 100 dated Dec. 26, 1970, with “If You Could Read Mind,” which rose to No. 5 the following February. He led the list for a week in June 1974 with “Sundown,” while follow-up “Carefree Highway” reached No. 10 that November. He returned to the top 10 with his opus “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which hit No. 2 in November 1976.
In addition to his Hot 100 history, Lightfoot charted 17 albums on the Billboard 200 during his lifetime, starting in 1969. He led with Sundown for two weeks in June 1974 – the latter concurrent with the rule of its title cut on the Hot 100 – and also hit the top 10 with Cold on the Shoulder (No. 10, 1975).
Lightfoot also scored four No. 1s, among six top 10s, on the Adult Contemporary chart: “If You Could Read My Mind” (for one week in 1971), “Sundown” (two weeks, 1974), “Carefree Highway” (one week, 1974) and “Rainy Day People” (one, 1975).
Additionally, Lightfoot scaled the Hot Country Songs chart with “Sundown” (No. 13, 1974). (Billboard.com)
Lightfoot’s discography is extensive but I’m pretty sure he wrote one Christmas tune, Song For a Winter’s Night (featured on this site a few times and as recently as December 16th). It’s really more of a winter song but who’s counting. ‘ll post the original, 1967 version below.
The first Jimmy Buffett song I recall hearing was Door Number Three, a song he co-wrote with Steve Goodman – although it may have been Come Monday as that song was on the radio. Both came out in ’74 — so the timing is correct.
Buffett’s body of work contains 32 studio albums, 11 compilation records, 14 live albums, one soundtrack and 67 singles.
In the 1950’s, Tommy Smothers and his younger brother Dick started as a folk duo that worked comedy into their routine. As brothers (Tommy was one year older than Dick) have been know to do, the two argued — and so they brought those spats into the act.
By 1967, The Smothers Brothers had their own variety show. The brothers brought on music acts such as The Who, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors and Cream and added politics into the mix. Their anti-establishment viewson the war and drugs were met head on by CBS censors and just three years later, the show was canceled.
As part of the show, Tommy and Dick performed Swiss Christmas.
Tommy Smothers died just three days ago (December 26, 2023) following a short bout with cancer. He was 86.
Tom & Dick Smothers (The Smothers Brothers) – Swiss Christmas
Burt Bacharach died at his home in Los Angeles on February 8th. He was 94
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass – The Bell that Couldn’t Jingle
Cast of Promises Promises – Christmas Day
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The Windham Hill record label was founded in 1976 and by 1980 was very successful. However, the addition of pianist George Winston rocketed the label and “new age” music into the mainstream. Winston’s 1980 release Autumn quickly went platinum. Winter Into Spring followed in 1981 and charted at #14 on Billboard’s jazz charts.
December is a tremendous record. Simple. One artist. One instrument. Just George Winston on a piano.
“You broke the CD out at Christmastime, but not when everyone was celebrating—it wasn’t a jolly album of carols, to be sung in a group. It wasn’t even “Silent Night,” a somber carol to sing with loved ones by candlelight. It was an album to play alone, during the ruminative hours late at night, sitting by a lit tree, having one last drink before you go to bed. “
Growing up in a home where music was always playing (jazz, big band, opera, orchestral) there was not always agreement on what music was considered good — or even listenable. George Winston’s December transcended the boundaries. If you have not heard it. Please put it on. If you’re like me and you still play it even during the non-Christmas seasons, put it on again. 38:45 of bliss. I’ll post a video and a spotify playlist of the entire record below.
George Winston battled cancer the final ten years of his life. According to his website, “George quietly and painlessly left this world while asleep on Sunday June 4, 2023.” He was 74.
Lynyrd Skynyrd released their only Christmas record, Christmas Time Again in 2000. It was of course a different incarnation of the band, but still included Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkerson and Johnny Van Zant (Ronnie’s brother). Mama’s Song is co-written by Rossington and Johnny Van Zant and I’ll feature it tonight.
Gary Rossington was the last surviving member of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rossington died on March 5, 2023. He was 71.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Mamas Song
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As a kid, my Dad, probably like many fathers of that age (60’s and 70’s) trotted out his collection of Christmas records every December 1. Among the recordings we’d hear was Harry Belafonte’s, To Wish You a Merry Christmas. The big hit from that record was not on its first release in 1958. Mary’s Boy Child was included in the first re-release in 1962. To Wish You a Merry Christmas was re-released again on 1976 and in 2001 (there’s money in Christmas records).
Harry Belafonte died of congestive heart failure on April 25, 2023. He was 96.
Harry Belafonte – Mary’s Boy Child
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Two founding members of the rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) passed this year. Drummer Robbie Bachman was the youngest member of BTO and was just 20 when the band officially formed in 1973.
We often goofed that actual lyrics to Takin’ Care of Business was either Takin’ Care of Biscuits or Takin’ Care of Christmas. I had not idea BTO actually recorded Takin’ Care of Christmas. Officially, it’s a Randy Bachman record. Neither Tim nor Robbie are credited on the record – so officially I’m breaking the rules. I would not be surprised one bit if brother Randy just re-recorded the vocals and kept the original tracks while adding some Christmas bells. Sure sounds like it.
Johnny wants a motor scooter Suzy wants a new computer Billy wants a new guitar and drum machine Daddy wants a new Corvette CD player, and cassette Mommy wants a 14-carat diamond ring Don’t forget the girls and boys Who can’t afford a lot of toys It’s up to you to fill their empty plate It’s the time to share with the needy everywhere That’s the way to make a Christmas great And we’ll be takin’ care of Christmas every day Takin’ care of Christmas every way We’ll be takin’ care of Christmas an’ doin’ it right Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night
For the next three days, all of the featured music will be from artists who died AND recorded Christmas music. For instance, Jimmy Buffett died and recorded Christmas music. I’ll post Buffett Christmas music. Gary Wright (he of Dreamweaver fame), didn’t record any Christmas music. Sad that he passed. But no Christmas music – so no post. (September 4th by the way – he was 80).
I try to cover as many as possible and I have several sources and alerts. My apologies if I miss someone.
And oddly enough, my posts on artists who have passed away are the posts of this blog that are the most read and shared.
These are in no particular order and by no means of “importance.” To their families and fans, they’re all important.
Kirkman’s wife, Heidi Berinstein Kirkman, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that he died on September 23rd in his home in Montclair, California of congestive heart failure following a long illness. Terry Kirkman was 83
The Association – Sleigh Ride/Home for the Holidays
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Shane McGowan was the front man of the legendary Irish band, The Pogues. The band’s most well-known song is indeed a Christmas tune, Fairytale of New York. If you have not heard it, it is a must listen. By 2023 standards, the song now needs to be edited for radio airplay. When the song was written in 1985, a term was used by the woman in the song tossing a pejorative at her significant other. Times have changed. I featured the song on December 17, 2016 and will repost it below.
Recovering from a stroke and kidney disease, Tina Turner had been in declining health during the past few years of her life. Turner died on May 24th at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, near Zurich. She was 83
Ike and Tina Turner – Merry Christmas Baby
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Ray Hildebrand is probably not a name most people will recall right off the top of their head. However, If I mention Paul and Paula, readers of a certain age will recall the 1962 hit, Hey Paula. The singer (and writer) of that million-selling number one hit? Yep. Ray Hildebrand.
Hildebrand and his singing partner, Jill Jackson recorded one Christmas album, Holiday For Teens in 1963. I’ll feature the title track. Jill Jackson by the way, is still alive and was recently interviewed on WABC’s Cousin Brucie show.
Following a long bout with lung disease, Laine died on December 5, 2023.
Upon learning of his former bandmate’s death Paul McCartney said Laine was “an outstanding vocalist and guitar player”. Adding, “Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people. We had drifted apart but in recent years managed to re-establish our friendship and share memories of our times together.” BBC News
Denny Laine was 79
Denny Laine - I Wish it Could Be Christmas Every Day
The week between is, well, the week between Christmas and New Years when not a lot happens. Rather than just cut Christmas off at midnight on the 25th, I continue to post through The Week Between, letting you down easy. So stick around.
I reserve the 26th for day after Christmas songs. Some of these are about the Christmas blues — you know, that feeling you get when there’s been this huge run-up to Christmas, then WHAM! it’s over.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) describes the holiday blues as feelings of anxiety and stress that come up around the holidays and may be due to unrealistic expectations or memories connected to the holiday season.
In a 2015 survey, 64% of people report experiencing the post-holiday blues.
Snow is falling and my world feels right I got children laughing, it’s a wonderful life I don’t want Christmas to end As I’m telling stories new, telling stories past Why does it have to come and go so fast Oh, I don’t want Christmas to end
It’s been a long, long year Wish we could stay right here Let’s wake up tomorrow And do it all again (all again) These moments I love the most My heart just can’t let go So I’m holding on I don’t want Christmas to end
And then next up another from Chicago’s The Empty Pockets (featured on December 6th). Party at the North Pole is a fun tune about a massive celebration at the North Pole on December 26th (All fun – no Christmas blues in this song).
Hope you’re all well. If you have the blues. Listen to some of the sad songs. You’ll make it through. Or put on Party at the North Pole.
The 26th is post-Christmas blues or songs about not wanting Christmas to end (lots of these songs actually).
The 27th and 28th have become the most popular pages I write. On these two days I feature Christmas music from artists who passed this year. But only if they recorded Christmas music. (Long list this year.)
Then I take it to New Year’s Eve with music that didn’t seem to fit or are more winter oriented.
So… stick around – the week between is fun and let’s you down from the Christmas high slowly.
Hope you and yours are having a wonderful Christmas.
Oddly enough, writing this blog for some 16 years, I find Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be the days I struggle to find the ‘perfect’ post. I mean as far as days go, both are pretty much as reverential as they get. That said…
It does fluctuate a bit, but Conde Nast still says the busiest travel day of the Christmas season is today – December 23rd. Accordingly, several years ago I carved out every December 23rd to feature songs about traveling home for the holidays. Included are songs about heading home (of course), but not being able to be home, missing people for a myriad of reason, and so forth.
Want to hear some sad songs? Use the search tool in the top left hand corner of this page and type in December 23. Happy songs too. (I did it for you – click here.)
Smalltown Poets is an Atlanta band that has been around since the late 90’s. They’ve had “numerous Top 5 radio hits, including the song “If You Let Me Love You” that went to #1 on the Billboard CHR radio charts, and “Monkey’s Paw” hitting #1 on Christian Rock Radio. Now, with 10 albums under their belt, the band has garnered 2 Grammy nominations, 7 Dove Award nominations and a Billboard Music Video Award.”
Quick call home to tell Not to ring that dinner bell Till I turn my headlights down that Long snowy drive I will arrive this is Christmas time
Christmas Time Again Smalltown Poets 2014
Excellent band – great tune
Smalltown Poets – Christmas Time Again
Next up is Christmas in LA from the Las Vegas band, The Killers. From 2006 through 2016, The Killers wrote an annual Christmas song with Christmas in LA coming in 2013. The song is about an actor, played in the video by Owen Wilson, who is in LA trying to “make it,” wondering if he ever will and missing home.
Another Christmas in LA Another pitcher of Sangria In an empty beach café Another Christmas in LA Hold me tighter Carmelita I don’t know how long I can stay
Christmas in LA – The Killers 2013
In my opinion, Christmas in LA is The Killers’ second best Christmas tune, with Boots being number one. (I featured Boots on December 1, 2013.) The Killers released all of the Christmas tunes on a record titled, Don’t Waste Your Wishes — i’ll post the playlist for it at the bottom of this page.
I’ll change things up a bit tonight and feature two jazz pianists, Christian Sands and David Ian.
Sands, who The Boston Globe describes as a “fabulously gifted instrumentalist” has just released Christmas Stories. The record features jazz covers of several Christmas standards and five originals. It’s an excellent record with just a touch of Vince Guaraldi influence. I’ll feature Snow Days and a Christmas Hymn. I’ve linked the entire album via spotify below as well. As we get closer to Christmas Day, I find myself playing this record a lot. Highly recommended.
Ian released his fifth “Vintage” Christmas record, Vintage Christmas Trio Medley. Imagine it’s snowing and you want music to match the mood. Put on this record — or any of Ian’s Christmas albums. They’re all good. Put them on and take a break from the hustle and bustle. As with Christian Sands above, highly recommended.
Tom's Christmas Music Blog 