Christmas and 1966 and Now

Great Songs of Christmas, Volume 6 has always been the soundtrack to my Christmas season. This "Collector's Limited Edition” album was released in 1966, part of a series created as premiums for Goodyear. Back then, you could purchase these albums for a dollar at Goodyear stores. On the record are many giants of that time like Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Mathis, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Years ago, my mom recorded the album onto a cassette tape for me so I can still hear our family original with all of the pops and scratches. The record skip in the second chorus of Barbara Streisand’s "Silent Night" makes me feel at home.

The most important feature of this joyous relic is that it was my introduction to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, real people who became my childhood, imaginary friends. (I was kind of a weird kid.) I’m a lifelong fan of Steve and Eydie beginning with their version of “Let It Snow,” from this album. I have yet to live anywhere that it snows at Christmas but this song is still a favorite, if it’s their version, of course.

The song Bob likes best is "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by Ray Coniff. I don't believe Bob has developed any particular affection for Mr. Coniff beyond this one song, but time will tell. (The weird kid thing could be genetic.)