Fun for the Holidays

I consider this my "fun" blog, since it allows me to write about non-legal issues.  During the months of November and December I tend to listen to mostly Christmas music -- which should be obvious from my last.fm tags!  I enjoy the classics mainly and an occasional new version sung by a crooner.  I also greatly enjoy Handel's Messiah, though the purists will argue that it is technically an Easter program.

I was surprised to recently read, in The History of Jazz, that Nat King Cole originally began as an instrumentalist.  With his voice I can hardly believe that his origins weren't as a vocalist.  It is lucky for all that he went down that path to fame.  His version of The Christmas Song, in my opinion, cannot be beat.

Another holiday staple is Burl Ives.  My introduction to his sound came in the same way many of you may have been introduced to this oddly elfin-looking man; by watching and listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  Come to think of it, I am not sure what Mr. Ives would have done if not focusing on holiday and folk music.  His sound is one that would be unsuitable for most other genres.

There are numerous other classic singers and songs that I hope to bring up during this festive season.  What are your favorites?