Customer Reviews

Christmas Songs Made in America: Favorite Holiday Melodies and the Stories of Their Origins

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I just stumbled upon this book and snatched it up. It is a wonderful little collection of anecdotes about the origins of 50 of America's most famous Christmas songs from "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" to "White Christmas". It includes stories about how the songs were written and recorded, comments on definitive recordings, the lyrics, and also some wonderful illustrations.

Lovers of Christmas music, this book is for you.

A great stocking stuffer as a gift for Christmas, as well as a super reference book for not only teachers, but as pre-introductory information for a choir's Christmas concert, or for any Christmas carol lover who happens to forget the words alot. ;) Learn about those who write the songs that make the entire world sing at Christmas!!

This is a wonderful book, but it is limited to American Christmas songs and it main focus is non-religious songs. There are only eight stories about Traditional religious carols, and about five spirituals. Still I loved the stories, such as the one about the history of White Christmas, although I could not use it in my Christmas Eve service.

Taking a historical look at the stories behind favorite Christmas songs, the authors manage to tell stories that are both moving and interesting. Hearing the facts behind carols like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "We Three Kings" help give the songs context when listened to, and reading about the tragically short life of carol composer Alfred Burt inspired me to search out the original recordings of his music.

Arranged so you can search thematically (Songs about Snow, Songs from Broadway and Hollywood, Kids' Favorites, etc.), you are certain to find out facts you never knew about your favorite holiday songs.

Great for someone who loves Christmas carols--American history--or both. It's easy reading that will have you spouting interesting facts at your next family gathering!