There weren't, thank goodness, radio stations that played nothing but Christmas music for eight weeks when I was growing up in the 1970s. That said, many a well-known holiday tune came into being during those formative years, even if I was already in college--or beyond--before some of them really seeped into my consciousness. Here are a few of them; perhaps they're played too much nowadays, but honestly I don't mind spinning them up one more time this season.
Donny Hathaway, "This Christmas"
Hathaway was 25 in 1970 when he wrote and recorded the impeccable "This Christmas," a song about being in love at the most magical time of the year. The animated video below pays homage to the man and those he loved, his life cut way too short due to mental illness. Hathaway will appear in another post here next month.
Elton John, "Step Into Christmas"
A love note from Reg to his fans after a fab '73, but of course he had yet to reach his zenith. Hard to say when I first heard it, though Casey played it as an extra on 12/16/78 (and I made note of that on my chart for that show).
I'm seeing today that an updated video, featuring British actress Cara Delevingne playing the part of Elton, was released just last week.
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
Maybe a cheat, as I'm reading this wasn't released to radio until 1981. It was recorded in December 1975, though, so we'll all just to have to live with the executive decision to include it here. My favorite parts are the "Oh, that's not many, not many, you guys are in trouble out here" as the Boss banters with the crowd right before he starts singing, and Springsteen's inability to keep from laughing as he sings the title phrase over and again during the final big buildup. A joy from beginning to end, one we're lucky to hear every year.
Kenny Loggins, "Celebrate Me Home"
A confession I've made before: I completely loathed Loggins's "I Believe in Love" when it received airplay a-plenty in the summer of '77 on WSAI in Cincinnati. "Celebrate Me Home" became guilty by association when it showed up a few months later. It took a long time to come around, but I'm genuinely moved when it shows up now this time of year. Maybe I'll give "I Believe in Love" another shot next year?
Paul McCartney, "Wonderful Christmastime"
This is not great music, but Paul's genius still shines through enough that I'm always game when it comes on. Since it was released only in November of '79, it's almost certainly another tune I first encountered in the 80s. C'est la vie.
Wishing you and yours a terrific holiday season, however you celebrate.
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