Every Christmas morning for 44 years I have played Nat King Cole singing "I'm the Happiest Christmas Tree" for my daughter. All through those years she has lived in different places due to her husband being sent to multiple Army basis, including South Korea. This tradition lives on through her children. It is the very first thing I do on Christmas morning. I call her and instead of saying Merry Christmas I will say "are you ready" and she will say yes and gathers the rest of her family to the phone. We all listen and dance around to Nat King Cole. Such joy!!
I consider Nat King Cole's rendition the ULTIMATE version on this song.....along with Judy Garland's. Here she is , singing it with the very same Mel Torme.... th-cam.com/video/SaEedtRHklg/w-d-xo.html
Burl Ives was in a movie called The Brass Bottle. I Dream of Jeannie idea was taken from this movie. I believe Barbara Eden had a bit part in it but I haven’t seen it in years.
@@2dashville , that was a fun movie, costarring Barbara Eden & Tony Randall! Came out in 1964, and I watched it as a kid. Then, I "fell in love" with Barbara Eden on "I Dream of Jeannie"! Lol! Burl Ives was truly an under-appreciated actor and singer -- one of the greats in my opinion. I loved his songs, especially his funny ones (like "Ugly Bug Ball" in the 1963 film Summer Magic) and his gospel songs. In my opinion, his two best movies were the western drama "The Big Country" (1958, costarring Gregory Peck & Chuck Connors) and the naval comedy "Ensign Pulver" (1964, same year as "The Brass Bottle" & costarring Robert Walker, Jr. as Pulver). Have a great day!
Bing Crosby's White Christmas, was the number one selling recording ever, over 50 million copies, with the song itself selling more than 100 million by various artists. Darleen Love's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). She performed it on David Letterman's show every Christmas and it is GREAT. Any of the Christmas songs by Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Andy Williams, the Carpenter's. Many of us grew up watching all their Christmas specials every year with songs by them and others who joined them for the show including many of their families. Always looked forward to those shows.
You took the words out of my mouth. Bing's "White Christmas" is a must-listen for this month. I would also do "Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band-Aid. (Band-Aid was an 80s collaboration of many, many famous singers, much like "We Are the World" by USA For Africa. Some of the singers involved in that song include Paul McCartney, Bono (of U2), Phil Collins, Boy George, Duran Duran, Sting (of The Police), Paul Young, David Bowie, and George Michael.)
This past Saturday my local PBS station showed a Frank and Dean Christmas special featuring their families. Dean's kids and wife were there as well as Nancy, Frank Jr and his other kids.
Wholeheartedly agree about Bing Crosby - White Christmas is the epitome of Christmas! Our neighbors play it on repeat in their Christmas display between Black Friday and January 1st, and our family always watches White Christmas and Holiday Inn over the kids' school break.
There is a crooner you haven't reacted to yet. His name is Bing Crosby and he was probably the very first famous crooner, because he started in show business way back in 1922. He remained a megastar for more than 50 years. Like most other crooners, he was a prolific, famous actor as well as an amazing singer. He starred in several Christmas movies and was literally one of the most beloved entertainers in the 20th Century. "White Christmas" is one of his most famous Christmas songs but he had albums full of them. "O Holy Night", "Winter Wonderland", "Little Drummer Boy", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", just to name a few. Christmas music is never quite complete without Bing Crosby's beautiful voice.
This song has been a Christmas staple for me my entire life. I just turned 70 and I don't ever recall a Christmas without hearing it. The world needs more Nat King Cole's.
After listening to Nat King Cole, you MUST listen to Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”! It’s a Christmas great! Also, Bing Crosby and David Bowie’s version of “Little Drummer Boy”! It’s fantastic as well!
Love Nat King Cole. He is the ICON G.O.A.T. when it comes to The Christmas Song. If you want something fun and adult add "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt to the Christmas mix, guys. You won't be disappointed.
Definitely Earth Kitt's "Santa Baby" (1953), the original version and still the best, even though it's a song that has been covered a lot in recent years. In a similar vein, though far less known, is "Five Pound Box of Money" (1959), sung by the great Pearl Bailey.
Please listen to "Feliz Navidad" by the great singing and guitar stylist, Jose Feliciano. This song was written by Jose in 1970, and is now a Christmas tradition.
If you're doing Christmas music, you HAVE to react to David Bowie and Bing Crosby duet of The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth). I have to watch that every Christmas!
His voice is just so effortless. He opens his mouth and beautiful music just flows out. Please put Ertha Kitt's Santa Baby on your Christmas reaction list. Some songs just "belong" to some artists no matter how many times they've been covered.
Nat's voice makes me feel warm inside.......if I'm sad he makes me smile...if I'm cold he warms me.......he's the ultimate get better feel better music man!
SERIOUSLY?! How have they not heard THIS version? WHAT DID THEIR PARENTS LISTEN TO?!?! This is incredible to me. This is easily in the top 5 Xmas songs EVER!
One of the best Christmas songs ever. Another of my favorites is Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters rendition of Jingle Bells. It's a Big Band delight.
Love, love, love Nat King Cole. His voice is pure velvet. If you include Carols in your Christmas Songs Month then PLEASE react to Nat singing Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful). Magical.
Every December for me, I'm not officially in the "Christmas mood" until I have heard Nat King Cole's "Oh Holy Night." The song itself isn't just a means of musical enjoyment, it's an experience.
This definitive version of "The Christmas Song" features musical legends: Nat King Cole (buttery warm vocals), Mel Torme and Robert Wells (masterful writers of music and lyrics), Ralph Carmichael (majestic orchestration). This PERFECT song is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and It's the first song I play every year when the Christmas season begins.
This song was written by Mel Torme, I believe and the story goes that he was in Palm Springs CA, which is in the dessert! It was like 110 degrees and he was trying to think of things that would make him FEEL cooler, so all this Christmas images came to mind!
Yes, Tormé wrote it in summer in southern California. It was said he wrote the tune in less than an hour. As one of those interesting pieces of trivia, Tormé's Christmas Song is one of the most popular Christmas tunes ever written, and Mel Tormé was Jewish. You should check out some of Tormé's vocal work--he was one of the best male jazz vocalists and had a long and successful career.
All of my memories of Christmases as a child involve hearing Nat King Cole and Mr. Christmas himself, Andy Williams playing on the turntable. The Andy Williams Christmas Special was a staple on TV for many years. He also recorded eight Christmas albums. I guess that's how you get the nickname Mr. Christmas. I recommend "Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."
YES! The Andy Williams one with the red cover had to be on when we put up the tree. Then someone stole it! Years later I found one in the bargain bin at Walmart and I’m sure my squeal was heard through the whole store! I still have to have it playing.
I just love Nat King Cole. His voice is so smooth and heartwarming. I could listen to him day and night. Thanks for reacting to this song. Just wonderful.
For Female Friday! "Christmas in Killarney" by Anne Murray is one catchy tune. You haven't reacted to her yet and she's fantastic! "Silver Bells", "Let It Snow", "Blue Christmas". Besides her Christmas album, she has so many great pop songs. "Snowbird", "You Needed Me", "Could I Have This Dance". She was an icon from Canada, famous for decades beginning in the late 60's.
Yes! Please watch Anne Murray! She has a wonderful voice and all these songs that are mentioned are great. I love her version of Silver Bells, Snowbird is probably her most famous song and Could I Have This Dance is a not to be missed classic.
This is the absolute best version if this song. He is my mom's favorite singer and she loves Christmas. She would always put her hands on her heart when she heard this. I am a child of then 70's but I think the classics that came before me are the best. And Amber your hair is 🔥🔥🔥 today. Kinda looks like mine.
I always say, it's not the Christmas holiday until I hear the opening guitar and strings of this song, and Nat King Cole singing it. I melt like butter as soon as I hear it start up. It's beautiful and just feels like Christmas of my childhood (my parents have this on a mix of old "classic" Christmas songs so I associate it with that).
The man's voice gives me goosebumps EVERY SINGLE TIME! Buttery smooth! This song was written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells for Nat King Cole in 1945. His is the most popular rendition.
Donny Hathaway's THIS CHRISTMAS is another classic which I'm sure you've probably heard. Guys, I'm so excited that you are gonna do Christmas songs all month. There's so many great ones out there. I cannot wait!
Aaron Neville has a beautiful voice and very distinct voice. "O Holy Night", " Silent Night", "Please Come Home for Christmas" are a few of his Christmas songs . He works often with his family members. He has a string of hits if the years in a variety of music and decades of singing. Amazing singer you will definitely want to check out.
Yay! I love that you are doing Christmas songs! I have the perfect one for you to do on Female Friday! The one, the only, incomparable, Judy Garland, singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from the movie: Meet Me In St. Louis. Hundreds of people have covered it, but no one can come even close to the original!
Nat is just the silk for the ears, if i had to choose just one voice singing all the songs for the rest of my life it would be his. You just feel warm inside when you hear it❤
When his daughter Natalie King Cole did a cover of his song, Unforgettable they remastered it to make it sound like they sang a duet(this was before google, so I'm going off of my memory lol). If you haven't heard it, you should react to it as well.
Kathie says… Lots of people have covered this song, but Nat King Cole’s voice knocks this beautiful song out of the ball park. This song HAD to be made for him to sing. Sooooo Smooth, Mellow and just plain BEAUTIFUL!❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰
This is such a perfect Christmas song. There are so many classic songs by Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, The Carpenters, Johnny Mathias etc. One of my favorites is "The Little Drummer Boy", by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Yes, it's an unusual combination but it is a perfect blending of two voices and two generations of classic singers.
I was getting ready to send this request to you along with Andy Williams "The most wonderful time of year". Thank you for paying this song. Now I know Christmas is near.
Love you guys! Try this: • Listen to his recording of "Unforgettable" • Then listen to the recut of it after he died that added his daughter, Natalie Cole, singing to create the "duet" that actually never was -- her homage to get late, great father.
It's a bit off of the beaten path, but one of my favorite Christmas albums is the Vince Guaraldi Trio soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas. "Linus and Lucy" "Christmas Time is Here" and "Oh Tannenbaum" are highly recommended.
"The Christmas Song" is my all time favorite Christmas album. So many amazing songs, topped off by this one. You only get one Nat King Cole in a lifetime. Such an amazing voice.
This is the BEST Christmas song ever - Nat RULES this song. Nobody does this song better - he is sublime PERFECTION on this song!!!!!!! The Best is Bing Crosby & David Bowie & their "little Drummer Boy" & Elvis Preseley "Blue Christmas
This song was written by the great Mel Torme. Known as the velvet fog due to his smooth voice. Nat King Cole was the first artist I ever heard do this song, and IMHO, the one who does it best of all. It's been covered by zillions of other artists over the years but never equal to this.
💓💓 The Oldies are still great, here a few older songs from the 70's or before Bing Crosby - White Christmas Dean Martin - Let it snow Brenda Lee - Rocking around the Christmas tree Frank Sinatra - Have yourself a Merry little Christmas Bing Crosby & David Bowie - Little Drummer Boy Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas time Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas Paul McCartney & the Wings - Mull of Kintyre Temptations - Silent Night Gene Autry - Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer Paul McCartney - We all Stand Together Chris Rea - Driving home for christmas Burl Ives - A Holly Jolly Christmas Jose Feliciano - feliz navidad. Dean Martin - I'll be home for Christmas.
Hey Amber! You know, I never quite looked at it that way, but you're right, Nat King Cole's voice is perfectly described like "chestnuts roasting by an open fire", and for the exact reason you explained. Great analogy!! :)
So now that you know Duran Duran, Culture Club and Spandau Ballet you will appreciate Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It has the lead singers of every major New Wave group from the 80s singing an original Xmas song. When you hear Bono from U2 sing his part it will rip your heart out. Amazing. Check it out.
Nat "King" Cole has been associated with this song since 1946, again in 1953, & finally in 1961 with orchestration by Nelson Riddle, this is the one we tend to hear now.
There are some Christmas songs that seem to be written and sung for certain singers. This is one of them. When the stress and pressures of Christmas start to get you down. Play this song with a relaxing tea, hot cocoa, Cuddle up to each other near a fireplace with a small lingering fire. Have your kids near you, make it a family time. Love this song by Mr. Nat King Cole. I loved your reaction it warmed my lonely heart for a little bit. Thanks.
This is a great version of this song, Nat King Cole had such a warm voice. But my all time favorite voice for Christmas music is Johnny Mathis, who's style was obviously influenced by Nat. When I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, the Christmas season didn't begin until we put on Johnny Mathis' first Christmas album (he made several, but the first one was the best) - you can tell which one it is because he's on the cover holding skis and smiling at the camera. If there's a more perfect voice for Christmas music I haven't heard it. If you'll be searching for Christmas songs all month I'd recommend giving Johnny Mathis a listen.
I was going to say Johnny Mathis also, you beat me to it. My very favorite Mathis tune though is “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt Everytime” I had that played at my wedding for the bride and groom dance. While Nat is my favorite Johnny’s voice is also distinctively exquisite
@@janepiper-lunt7655 Great choice. With that light, soaring quality he has, Johnny's voice would be perfect at a wedding ceremony. I might like Johnny's voice a little more than Nat's but it would be very close. Everyone has their personal preferences but when two singers are at the level I'm not sure there really is a best - they're just both great at what they do.
It’s unfair really that most artists never get a song that seems to have been written just for them but Nat has three. Unforgettable, The Christmas Song and O Holy Night.
I love "Mr. Velvet" Nat King Cole and this version is simply beautiful and warm (I agree Amber). Ella Fitzgerald is another legend that I enjoy listening to during Christmas. I love her rendition of Santa Clause Is Coming To Town. Oh btw, new subscriber : )
Another classic song I grew up listen to is Any Williams "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Here's the link to him performing the song. th-cam.com/video/73UqDX_quk0/w-d-xo.html and Johnny Mathis "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas" th-cam.com/video/WaNwEkCeZrE/w-d-xo.html
Great reaction, as always! I never really feel the Christmas spirit completely until I hear Nat King Cole sing this song. Another beautiful Christmas song is "Mary's Boy Child" sung by the great singer, actor and activist, Harry Belafonte. Anne Murray, a Canadian singer does wonderful Christmas songs, try "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and her duet "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Michael Buble. Looking forward to your daily Christmas reactions!
"And folks dressed up...." THE most famous musical note transition in music history! Sounds simple but very difficult to sing and play. Any musician or singer will attest to this!
This was written by Mel Torme, who it just so happens was a master jazz and scat singer, he’s well worth a listen, don’t ask I don’t have an offering. This too is in my karaoke catalog, along with unforgettable.
Mel Torme's heyday was the late 1940s and '50s, though he enjoyed a huge resurgence in the '70s through the '90s when vocal jazz music itself was enjoying a resurgence. His songs "Careless Hands" and "Again", both from 1949, were his two biggest hits.
My All Time Favorite Christmas song is Bing/Crosby and David Bowie singing Peace on Earth/White Christmas. It is two songs song over each other to bring a traditional Christmas song together with a very modern anti-war Christmas song. Done in the 60’s it always makes me cry.
My mother absolutely loved him (RIP mom). He was before my time and I'm 61, but I still love the song very time I hear it. My great grandfather roasted chestnuts, so it really brings back memories.
Need to react to some.Andy Williams!!!! Has the old crooner style and his Christmas music is fantastic. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is probably his most iconic. Has an amazing and smooth voice!!!
I love Nat King Cole. One of the best voices in showbiz.. but what about his friendly smile and face. Such a great, cool guy. And the best cover of this song... of course.. is sung by his daughter. Beautifully.
I am in tears right now....happy tears! This is is kind of Christmas music we listened at our home in the 60s & 70s. I can remember sitting around tv watching the greats like Nat King Cole. There were so many wonderful Christmas specials back then. My parents are both gone now. But, I feel them with me when I hear great Christmas songs. Thank you so much!!!!
My favorite Nat King Cole song is "Nature Boy." I don't think it's as well-known as his other classics, like "The Christmas Song," "Unforgettable," or "Mona Lisa."
An iconic one to start with. I can also recommend: Merry Christmas Baby - B. B. King O Holy Night - Michael Bolton Hallelujah - Pentatonix Deck The Halls/Silent Night - Whitney Houston Baby It’s Cold Outside - Tom Jones/Cerys Matthews White Christmas - Bing Crosby 🎄🎄🎄
Anyone singing O Holy Night sounds great, but to me the best version is by a much lesser known artist in North America - Nana Mouskouri. Her voice is just beyond...anything. If you have not heard it, give it a listen. (search for Minuit Chretiens as this is the song I mean)
The greatest of all time Christmas songs sang by the greatest of all time Christmas song singers… And the piano and love so much played by the artist himself. Nat King Cole is and always will be the Man
Donna Summer - Oh Holy Night or Breath Of Heaven (she does a great rendition of The Christmas Song live on GMA), The Carpenters Merry Christmas Darling, Natalie Cole -Grown Up Christmas List.
The perfect Christmas song. My all-time fave (and the album too). Cole's buttery voice is cozy like a fire while it is snowing out - a lullabye for the ages. Masterfully sung.
Nat King Cole is absolutely amazing!! His voice is not like any others I’ve heard!😊🤗. Another couple that I absolutely love is The Carpenters they have some beautiful Christmas music and also Andy Williams is also very good he is called Mr Christmas he still has a Theater in Branson Missouri although he’s no longer here with us his music lives on The Osmond Brothers now have his Theater those are just a couple I thought y’all would enjoy and could react to. Merry Christmas Amber&Jay and your sweet family!!🎄🎄🎅🏻🎅🏻
One of my favorite songs for my Christmas play list. Nat is awesome. Our fireplace was lit. The smell of cinnamon was in the air, and candy canes were on the tree. Mom and Dad made it so special and Nat was from their era of music. His Christmas catalogue and the Carpenters with Bing Crosby playing in the back ground all day made it all magical. Beautiful memories. Thank you kids. Canadian Grandma Lori. C.
When I was a little kid--on Christmas morning, my siblings and I couldn't get out of our rooms and open our presents until we heard the Christmas music because my mom was getting everything ready so, when she put on Nat King Cole's Christmas album on the record turntable and the first notes on this song played--we all knew that Christmas had finally arrived and we dashed from our rooms and into the living room--to the tree and opened our presents. This song, specifically Nat King Cole's version remains my favorite secular (non Christmas carol) song of all time--it brings back many memories and is Christmas for me. Thank you for reacting to this one--definitely the best!!!
There are only a few Christmas songs that make me cry, and this is one of them. Takes me back to when I was a young adult miles and miles away from home and my family. Love, love this song, and no one has ever done it better than Nat King Cole. Thanks you two for the trip down memory lane.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "When My Heart Finds Christmas" by Harry Connick, Jr. He is mainly a crooner but sings in other styles too. This one is definitely crooner style. I think you both will love it. Watch the official video if you can.
This is THE quintessential Christmas song, and the definitive version, sung by the incomparable Nat King Cole. It's perfect.
You are spot-on. This is THE Christmas song.
Yes. Anything else is a cheap imitation.
Class and Elegance Personified. The Best, Nobody does it better. This is Nat King Cole's song which was written by jazz singer ,
Mel Torme.
@@gracecheri997 Mel and his partner wrote this classic specifically for Nat
@@PapaEli-pz8ff You are right, l left out Mel's business partner. lt is So Beautiful. Mr. Cole was a classy guy. 🎄🌟
Every Christmas morning for 44 years I have played Nat King Cole singing "I'm the Happiest Christmas Tree" for my daughter. All through those years she has lived in different places due to her husband being sent to multiple Army basis, including South Korea. This tradition lives on through her children. It is the very first thing I do on Christmas morning. I call her and instead of saying Merry Christmas I will say "are you ready" and she will say yes and gathers the rest of her family to the phone. We all listen and dance around to Nat King Cole. Such joy!!
No-one does this song better than Nat King Cole. His voice is amazing and iconic, so smooth and effortless, like silk.
The “velvet fog” Mel Torme actually wrote this beautiful song. The smooth voice of Nat King Cole brings it alive.
I did not know that. Thank you.
As soon as I saw this I thought of Mel Torme but I didn't know he wrote it
He wrote it specifically for Nat
The story I heard is they actually wrote this song during a horrible heat wave as a way to help them cool down when they had no a/c!
I consider Nat King Cole's rendition the ULTIMATE version on this song.....along with Judy Garland's. Here she is , singing it with the very same Mel Torme....
th-cam.com/video/SaEedtRHklg/w-d-xo.html
It brings tears to my eyes to know people like you two are sustaining some of the most wonderful Christmas musical traditions.
No list of Christmas singers could be complete without the master - Burl Ives. His "Holly Jolly Christmas" is one of the great Christmas classics.
Burl Ives for sure has some amazing Christmas classics he sings 😍😍 always a must in the mix of the playlists
Burl Ives was in a movie called The Brass Bottle. I Dream of Jeannie idea was taken from this movie. I believe Barbara Eden had a bit part in it but I haven’t seen it in years.
@@2dashville , that was a fun movie, costarring Barbara Eden & Tony Randall! Came out in 1964, and I watched it as a kid. Then, I "fell in love" with Barbara Eden on "I Dream of Jeannie"! Lol! Burl Ives was truly an under-appreciated actor and singer -- one of the greats in my opinion. I loved his songs, especially his funny ones (like "Ugly Bug Ball" in the 1963 film Summer Magic) and his gospel songs. In my opinion, his two best movies were the western drama "The Big Country" (1958, costarring Gregory Peck & Chuck Connors) and the naval comedy "Ensign Pulver" (1964, same year as "The Brass Bottle" & costarring Robert Walker, Jr. as Pulver). Have a great day!
Bing Crosby's White Christmas, was the number one selling recording ever, over 50 million copies, with the song itself selling more than 100 million by various artists. Darleen Love's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). She performed it on David Letterman's show every Christmas and it is GREAT. Any of the Christmas songs by Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Andy Williams, the Carpenter's. Many of us grew up watching all their Christmas specials every year with songs by them and others who joined them for the show including many of their families. Always looked forward to those shows.
You took the words out of my mouth. Bing's "White Christmas" is a must-listen for this month. I would also do "Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band-Aid. (Band-Aid was an 80s collaboration of many, many famous singers, much like "We Are the World" by USA For Africa. Some of the singers involved in that song include Paul McCartney, Bono (of U2), Phil Collins, Boy George, Duran Duran, Sting (of The Police), Paul Young, David Bowie, and George Michael.)
This past Saturday my local PBS station showed a Frank and Dean Christmas special featuring their families. Dean's kids and wife were there as well as Nancy, Frank Jr and his other kids.
Wholeheartedly agree about Bing Crosby - White Christmas is the epitome of Christmas! Our neighbors play it on repeat in their Christmas display between Black Friday and January 1st, and our family always watches White Christmas and Holiday Inn over the kids' school break.
Don't forget Johnny Mathis!
There is a crooner you haven't reacted to yet. His name is Bing Crosby and he was probably the very first famous crooner, because he started in show business way back in 1922. He remained a megastar for more than 50 years. Like most other crooners, he was a prolific, famous actor as well as an amazing singer. He starred in several Christmas movies and was literally one of the most beloved entertainers in the 20th Century. "White Christmas" is one of his most famous Christmas songs but he had albums full of them. "O Holy Night", "Winter Wonderland", "Little Drummer Boy", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", just to name a few. Christmas music is never quite complete without Bing Crosby's beautiful voice.
They reacted to Bing with Louis Armstrong.
React to Bing Crosby and David Bowie doing Little Drummer Boy
@@keishastephenson3710 OH please yes
Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters version of Jingle Bells is so good
Yes, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" is also a classic.
This song has been a Christmas staple for me my entire life. I just turned 70 and I don't ever recall a Christmas without hearing it. The world needs more Nat King Cole's.
Nat is KING. He is my favorite male singer and always has been
After listening to Nat King Cole, you MUST listen to Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”! It’s a Christmas great! Also, Bing Crosby and David Bowie’s version of “Little Drummer Boy”! It’s fantastic as well!
Yes yes
Yes I remember when Bing & Bowie sang it on Bing's Christmas show, my parents had no idea who David Bowie was. It was awesome!
Love Nat King Cole. He is the ICON G.O.A.T. when it comes to The Christmas Song. If you want something fun and adult add "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt to the Christmas mix, guys. You won't be disappointed.
Definitely Earth Kitt's "Santa Baby" (1953), the original version and still the best, even though it's a song that has been covered a lot in recent years. In a similar vein, though far less known, is "Five Pound Box of Money" (1959), sung by the great Pearl Bailey.
@@InfraMajin , that’s a fun one! And it reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Santa Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney”. 😁
Great song, my 2nd favorite Xmas song after Louis Armstrong’s “Zat You (Santa Claus)”
Please listen to "Feliz Navidad" by the great singing and guitar stylist, Jose Feliciano. This song was written by Jose in 1970, and is now a Christmas tradition.
Nat's voice is liquid gold. Always was. Probably my favorite male singer of all time.
The epitome of what a great "Christmas Song" is, literally, figuratively, and musically. The BEST.
If you're doing Christmas music, you HAVE to react to David Bowie and Bing Crosby duet of The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth). I have to watch that every Christmas!
Second that
Yes! "That's a fine thing."
Worst Christmas song EVER, worse even than Feliz Navidad. And I say that as both a David Bowie and a Bing Crosby fan.
It’s not Christmas without this song! ❤️
His voice is just so effortless. He opens his mouth and beautiful music just flows out. Please put Ertha Kitt's Santa Baby on your Christmas reaction list. Some songs just "belong" to some artists no matter how many times they've been covered.
Absolutely agree with you on all of that girl.
Yes yes yes!
Another gr8 one
Worthless song!
Nat's voice makes me feel warm inside.......if I'm sad he makes me smile...if I'm cold he warms me.......he's the ultimate get better feel better music man!
You absolutely MUST do Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” She sang it first, and she sang it best.
Amen Kenneth!!
She sang it in Meet Me in St Louis.
I'll take Karen Carpenter's version as well.
SERIOUSLY?! How have they not heard THIS version? WHAT DID THEIR PARENTS LISTEN TO?!?! This is incredible to me.
This is easily in the top 5 Xmas songs EVER!
One of the best Christmas songs ever. Another of my favorites is Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters rendition of Jingle Bells. It's a Big Band delight.
My favourite Jingle Bells is by the great Jim Reeves
Love, love, love Nat King Cole. His voice is pure velvet. If you include Carols in your Christmas Songs Month then PLEASE react to Nat singing Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful). Magical.
I love his version!
Every December for me, I'm not officially in the "Christmas mood" until I have heard Nat King Cole's "Oh Holy Night." The song itself isn't just a means of musical enjoyment, it's an experience.
This definitive version of "The Christmas Song" features musical legends: Nat King Cole (buttery warm vocals), Mel Torme and Robert Wells (masterful writers of music and lyrics), Ralph Carmichael (majestic orchestration). This PERFECT song is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and It's the first song I play every year when the Christmas season begins.
The orchestration plus his incredible voice is just the best! This song was co-written by Mel Torme, another singer you need to listen to!
This song was written by Mel Torme, I believe and the story goes that he was in Palm Springs CA, which is in the dessert! It was like 110 degrees and he was trying to think of things that would make him FEEL cooler, so all this Christmas images came to mind!
Yes, Tormé wrote it in summer in southern California. It was said he wrote the tune in less than an hour. As one of those interesting pieces of trivia, Tormé's Christmas Song is one of the most popular Christmas tunes ever written, and Mel Tormé was Jewish. You should check out some of Tormé's vocal work--he was one of the best male jazz vocalists and had a long and successful career.
All of my memories of Christmases as a child involve hearing Nat King Cole and Mr. Christmas himself, Andy Williams playing on the turntable. The Andy Williams Christmas Special was a staple on TV for many years. He also recorded eight Christmas albums. I guess that's how you get the nickname Mr. Christmas. I recommend "Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."
YES! The Andy Williams one with the red cover had to be on when we put up the tree. Then someone stole it! Years later I found one in the bargain bin at Walmart and I’m sure my squeal was heard through the whole store! I still have to have it playing.
One of the best voices ever! What a performer!!
I just love Nat King Cole. His voice is so smooth and heartwarming. I could listen to him day and night. Thanks for reacting to this song. Just wonderful.
For Female Friday! "Christmas in Killarney" by Anne Murray is one catchy tune. You haven't reacted to her yet and she's fantastic! "Silver Bells", "Let It Snow", "Blue Christmas". Besides her Christmas album, she has so many great pop songs. "Snowbird", "You Needed Me", "Could I Have This Dance". She was an icon from Canada, famous for decades beginning in the late 60's.
Yes! Please watch Anne Murray! She has a wonderful voice and all these songs that are mentioned are great. I love her version of Silver Bells, Snowbird is probably her most famous song and Could I Have This Dance is a not to be missed classic.
More votes for Anne Murray
This is the absolute best version if this song. He is my mom's favorite singer and she loves Christmas. She would always put her hands on her heart when she heard this. I am a child of then 70's but I think the classics that came before me are the best. And Amber your hair is 🔥🔥🔥 today. Kinda looks like mine.
The one, the only, version. No one else can do it justice
And too many people 'cover it' warbling throughout 💔😢
He had one of the most soothing and mellow voices of all time.
I always say, it's not the Christmas holiday until I hear the opening guitar and strings of this song, and Nat King Cole singing it. I melt like butter as soon as I hear it start up. It's beautiful and just feels like Christmas of my childhood (my parents have this on a mix of old "classic" Christmas songs so I associate it with that).
The Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty Maccoll is an absolute must
YES! They have to react to that one!
The greatest Christmas song ever by anyone. His voice is perfect.
Johnny Mathis is another crooner from the '60s who is exceptionally good and his Christmas songs are my favorite. He is so worth reacting to!
The man's voice gives me goosebumps EVERY SINGLE TIME! Buttery smooth! This song was written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells for Nat King Cole in 1945. His is the most popular rendition.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. His voice, the music, the words. Just makes me feel so nostalgic.
Donny Hathaway's THIS CHRISTMAS is another classic which I'm sure you've probably heard. Guys, I'm so excited that you are gonna do Christmas songs all month. There's so many great ones out there. I cannot wait!
Absolutely! It wasn’t Christmas in my house until we heard Donny Hathaway!
Aaron Neville has a beautiful voice and very distinct voice. "O Holy Night", " Silent Night", "Please Come Home for Christmas" are a few of his Christmas songs . He works often with his family members. He has a string of hits if the years in a variety of music and decades of singing. Amazing singer you will definitely want to check out.
I've heard Aaron Neville requested quite a few times! I agree, his voice is so unique and he is really worth reacting to!
I would love to see their reaction to Aaron Neville. Hopefully they will read this and chose him for the holiday season. They have no idea......
Yay! I love that you are doing Christmas songs! I have the perfect one for you to do on Female Friday! The one, the only, incomparable, Judy Garland, singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from the movie: Meet Me In St. Louis. Hundreds of people have covered it, but no one can come even close to the original!
Nat is just the silk for the ears, if i had to choose just one voice singing all the songs for the rest of my life it would be his. You just feel warm inside when you hear it❤
Some artists have done a great job singing "The Christms Song" but NO ONE does it better than the King himself-Nat King Cole!!
When his daughter Natalie King Cole did a cover of his song, Unforgettable they remastered it to make it sound like they sang a duet(this was before google, so I'm going off of my memory lol). If you haven't heard it, you should react to it as well.
Kathie says… Lots of people have covered this song, but Nat King Cole’s voice knocks this beautiful song out of the ball park. This song HAD to be made for him to sing. Sooooo Smooth, Mellow and just plain BEAUTIFUL!❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰
Now you understand why his nickname was “velvet voice”!!! Classic & perfect pick. NO ONE can sing this like him!!
This is such a perfect Christmas song. There are so many classic songs by Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, The Carpenters, Johnny Mathias etc. One of my favorites is "The Little Drummer Boy", by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Yes, it's an unusual combination but it is a perfect blending of two voices and two generations of classic singers.
Mel Torme' wrote the Christmas Song.
Why listen to the Groaner?
My absolute favorite Christmas song by the phenomenal Nat King Cole. The iconic violin opening give me chills every time.
I was getting ready to send this request to you along with Andy Williams "The most wonderful time of year". Thank you for paying this song. Now I know Christmas is near.
Love you guys!
Try this:
• Listen to his recording of "Unforgettable"
• Then listen to the recut of it after he died that added his daughter, Natalie Cole, singing to create the "duet" that actually never was -- her homage to get late, great father.
Yes the duet was beautiful and sweet
Their Unforgettable “duet” is one of my favorite songs!
It's a bit off of the beaten path, but one of my favorite Christmas albums is the Vince Guaraldi Trio soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas. "Linus and Lucy" "Christmas Time is Here" and "Oh Tannenbaum" are highly recommended.
I have the album…best Christmas music
Absolutely 💯!!
"The Christmas Song" is my all time favorite Christmas album. So many amazing songs, topped off by this one. You only get one Nat King Cole in a lifetime. Such an amazing voice.
This is the BEST Christmas song ever - Nat RULES this song. Nobody does this song better - he is sublime PERFECTION on this song!!!!!!! The Best is Bing Crosby & David Bowie & their "little Drummer Boy" & Elvis Preseley "Blue Christmas
That duet is not even close! Nat King Cole did this timeless classic perfectly!
I think the Bing Crosby and David Bowie version of Little Drummer boy is one of the worst Xmas songs of all time. Sorry.
@@mikewrasman5103 You are right. Not even close. That duet is horrible. I M O.
Finally! Christmas music reactions. My favorite is "Same Auld Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg. Bonus: The lyrics are a true story!
This song was written by the great Mel Torme. Known as the velvet fog due to his smooth voice. Nat King Cole was the first artist I ever heard do this song, and IMHO, the one who does it best of all. It's been covered by zillions of other artists over the years but never equal to this.
💓💓 The Oldies are still great,
here a few older songs from the 70's or before
Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Dean Martin - Let it snow
Brenda Lee - Rocking around the Christmas tree
Frank Sinatra - Have yourself a Merry little Christmas
Bing Crosby & David Bowie - Little Drummer Boy
Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run
Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas time
Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas
Paul McCartney & the Wings - Mull of Kintyre
Temptations - Silent Night
Gene Autry - Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer
Paul McCartney - We all Stand Together
Chris Rea - Driving home for christmas
Burl Ives - A Holly Jolly Christmas
Jose Feliciano - feliz navidad.
Dean Martin - I'll be home for Christmas.
Didn’t know Mull of Kintyre was a Christmas song……Great list btw…
Great list!!
I agree! He has the perfect voice for any Christmas song! He's always been my favorite for Christmas songs!
Dont think anyone else could sing this.nat broke the mold.
Hey Amber! You know, I never quite looked at it that way, but you're right, Nat King Cole's voice is perfectly described like "chestnuts roasting by an open fire", and for the exact reason you explained. Great analogy!! :)
His "oh holy night" is especially amazing. So is Josh Groban's version.
Josh Groban has the best version IMO
Bandaids "Do they know it's Christmas" is always a good one.
The Pogues & Kirsty McCall "Fairytale of New York"
So now that you know Duran Duran, Culture Club and Spandau Ballet you will appreciate Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It has the lead singers of every major New Wave group from the 80s singing an original Xmas song. When you hear Bono from U2 sing his part it will rip your heart out. Amazing. Check it out.
Yes the Rob Squad will love this - this song inspired We are The World
Nat "King" Cole has been associated with this song since 1946, again in 1953, & finally in 1961 with orchestration by Nelson Riddle, this is the one we tend to hear now.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams is another iconic Christmas song!
There are some Christmas songs that seem to be written and sung for certain singers. This is one of them. When the stress and pressures of Christmas start to get you down. Play this song with a relaxing tea, hot cocoa, Cuddle up to each other near a fireplace with a small lingering fire. Have your kids near you, make it a family time. Love this song by Mr. Nat King Cole. I loved your reaction it warmed my lonely heart for a little bit. Thanks.
This is a great version of this song, Nat King Cole had such a warm voice. But my all time favorite voice for Christmas music is Johnny Mathis, who's style was obviously influenced by Nat. When I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, the Christmas season didn't begin until we put on Johnny Mathis' first Christmas album (he made several, but the first one was the best) - you can tell which one it is because he's on the cover holding skis and smiling at the camera. If there's a more perfect voice for Christmas music I haven't heard it. If you'll be searching for Christmas songs all month I'd recommend giving Johnny Mathis a listen.
I was going to say Johnny Mathis also, you beat me to it. My very favorite Mathis tune though is “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt Everytime” I had that played at my wedding for the bride and groom dance. While Nat is my favorite Johnny’s voice is also distinctively exquisite
@@janepiper-lunt7655 Great choice. With that light, soaring quality he has, Johnny's voice would be perfect at a wedding ceremony. I might like Johnny's voice a little more than Nat's but it would be very close. Everyone has their personal preferences but when two singers are at the level I'm not sure there really is a best - they're just both great at what they do.
Almost any Christmas song or holiday song by Johnny Mathis, would be great, “Winter Wonderland”, Silver Bells, etc,
It’s unfair really that most artists never get a song that seems to have been written just for them but Nat has three. Unforgettable, The Christmas Song and O Holy Night.
My favourite Christmas song, perfect words, perfect spirit, PERFECT voice! Nat King Cole was sheer GENIUS.....
I love "Mr. Velvet" Nat King Cole and this version is simply beautiful and warm (I agree Amber). Ella Fitzgerald is another legend that I enjoy listening to during Christmas. I love her rendition of Santa Clause Is Coming To Town. Oh btw, new subscriber : )
Another classic song I grew up listen to is Any Williams "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Here's the link to him performing the song. th-cam.com/video/73UqDX_quk0/w-d-xo.html and Johnny Mathis "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas" th-cam.com/video/WaNwEkCeZrE/w-d-xo.html
Great reaction, as always! I never really feel the Christmas spirit completely until I hear Nat King Cole sing this song. Another beautiful Christmas song is "Mary's Boy Child" sung by the great singer, actor and activist, Harry Belafonte. Anne Murray, a Canadian singer does wonderful Christmas songs, try "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and her duet "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Michael Buble. Looking forward to your daily Christmas reactions!
He is my favorite singer of all time! His phrasing, his tone cannot be replicated
He was also an accomplished pianist
"And folks dressed up...." THE most famous musical note transition in music history! Sounds simple but very difficult to sing and play. Any musician or singer will attest to this!
This was written by Mel Torme, who it just so happens was a master jazz and scat singer, he’s well worth a listen, don’t ask I don’t have an offering.
This too is in my karaoke catalog, along with unforgettable.
As I mentioned, his nickname was the Velvet Fog.
He is also the best harmonizer that has ever existed!
He wrote it in the middle of a summer heat wave thinking that concentrating on Christmas might make him feel cooler.
Mel Torme's heyday was the late 1940s and '50s, though he enjoyed a huge resurgence in the '70s through the '90s when vocal jazz music itself was enjoying a resurgence. His songs "Careless Hands" and "Again", both from 1949, were his two biggest hits.
I heard Mel wrote this song in an L.A. dive bar on a hot July afternoon while enjoying a few Martinis. 🍸😃
My All Time Favorite Christmas song is Bing/Crosby and David Bowie singing Peace on Earth/White Christmas. It is two songs song over each other to bring a traditional Christmas song together with a very modern anti-war Christmas song. Done in the 60’s it always makes me cry.
You mean Peace on Earth/ Little Drummer Boy
My mother absolutely loved him (RIP mom). He was before my time and I'm 61, but I still love the song very time I hear it. My great grandfather roasted chestnuts, so it really brings back memories.
No one beats Nat King Cole!! What a voice!!
Nothing feels more like Christmas than the classics. They really evoke that feeling of nostalgia.
NCC: just the best and smoothest voice ever. His songs are so worth listening to. Makes you smile. And speaking of Smile... there's your next listen.
"NCC" ?
Need to react to some.Andy Williams!!!!
Has the old crooner style and his Christmas music is fantastic. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is probably his most iconic. Has an amazing and smooth voice!!!
This is my favorite rendition of this song! He has such a beautiful voice. Amber looks like she's in heaven!
I love Nat King Cole. One of the best voices in showbiz.. but what about his friendly smile and face. Such a great, cool guy.
And the best cover of this song... of course.. is sung by his daughter. Beautifully.
I am in tears right now....happy tears! This is is kind of Christmas music we listened at our home in the 60s & 70s. I can remember sitting around tv watching the greats like Nat King Cole. There were so many wonderful Christmas specials back then. My parents are both gone now. But, I feel them with me when I hear great Christmas songs. Thank you so much!!!!
This is one of my favorite songs, but I LOVE Nat King Cole. Oh and you should listen to the little drummer boy by bing crosby and David Bowie!
My favorite Nat King Cole song is "Nature Boy." I don't think it's as well-known as his other classics, like "The Christmas Song," "Unforgettable," or "Mona Lisa."
Nature Boy was the theme song for the movie: THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR.
An iconic one to start with. I can also recommend:
Merry Christmas Baby - B. B. King
O Holy Night - Michael Bolton
Hallelujah - Pentatonix
Deck The Halls/Silent Night - Whitney Houston
Baby It’s Cold Outside - Tom Jones/Cerys Matthews
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
🎄🎄🎄
Anyone singing O Holy Night sounds great, but to me the best version is by a much lesser known artist in North America - Nana Mouskouri. Her voice is just beyond...anything. If you have not heard it, give it a listen. (search for Minuit Chretiens as this is the song I mean)
Michael Bolton? Oh, heck no. No one sings that song like Josh Groban
Each to their own. Josh Grobin does nothing for me, I’m afraid.
The greatest of all time Christmas songs sang by the greatest of all time Christmas song singers… And the piano and love so much played by the artist himself. Nat King Cole is and always will be the Man
Donna Summer - Oh Holy Night or Breath Of Heaven (she does a great rendition of The Christmas Song live on GMA), The Carpenters Merry Christmas Darling, Natalie Cole -Grown Up Christmas List.
Yes! A great way to start the holiday season! Others may cover this song but Nat King Cole's is the best.
The perfect Christmas song. My all-time fave (and the album too). Cole's buttery voice is cozy like a fire while it is snowing out - a lullabye for the ages. Masterfully sung.
Nat King Cole is absolutely amazing!! His voice is not like any others I’ve heard!😊🤗. Another couple that I absolutely love is The Carpenters they have some beautiful Christmas music and also Andy Williams is also very good he is called Mr Christmas he still has a Theater in Branson Missouri although he’s no longer here with us his music lives on The Osmond Brothers now have his Theater those are just a couple I thought y’all would enjoy and could react to. Merry Christmas Amber&Jay and your sweet family!!🎄🎄🎅🏻🎅🏻
Their album of seamless holiday music on A Christmas Portrait is Richard and Karen's gift to us at this time of the year!!
One of my favorite songs for my Christmas play list. Nat is awesome. Our fireplace was lit. The smell of cinnamon was in the air, and candy canes were on the tree. Mom and Dad made it so special and Nat was from their era of music. His Christmas catalogue and the Carpenters with Bing Crosby playing in the back ground all day made it all magical. Beautiful memories. Thank you kids. Canadian Grandma Lori. C.
I love his whiskey-honey-smokey voice sooo much.
When I was a little kid--on Christmas morning, my siblings and I couldn't get out of our rooms and open our presents until we heard the Christmas music because my mom was getting everything ready so, when she put on Nat King Cole's Christmas album on the record turntable and the first notes on this song played--we all knew that Christmas had finally arrived and we dashed from our rooms and into the living room--to the tree and opened our presents.
This song, specifically Nat King Cole's version remains my favorite secular (non Christmas carol) song of all time--it brings back many memories and is Christmas for me. Thank you for reacting to this one--definitely the best!!!
What a wonderful memory ❤!! Thanks for sharing
There are only a few Christmas songs that make me cry, and this is one of them. Takes me back to when I was a young adult miles and miles away from home and my family. Love, love this song, and no one has ever done it better than Nat King Cole. Thanks you two for the trip down memory lane.
This is my all time favorite Christmas song. The beginning strings give me chills everytime I hear it and Nat King Cole has the voice of an angel!!
You will never want to hear anyone else sing it after this. A TRUE CLASSIC !!!
Nat King Cole's "A Christmas Song" is my All-Time-Favorite Christmas Song!!! Pure Gold Perfection!!!
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "When My Heart Finds Christmas" by Harry Connick, Jr. He is mainly a crooner but sings in other styles too. This one is definitely crooner style. I think you both will love it. Watch the official video if you can.