# Christmas song you associate with a specific performer / recording **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [December 30, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352 "2024-12-30T19:45:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/1 "2024-12-30T19:45:56Z")
For me, a lot of traditional Christmas music is up for grabs, grew up hearing many different performers doing it (“Silent Night”, “The First Noel”, “Jingle Bells”, etc) but there were a handful where I only ever heard one performer and usually always the same recording, so anyone else doing it is necessarily covering it. Which songs do you tend to regard as “owned” by a single artist and/or recording? For me, “The Little Drummer Boy” is totally the property of the Harry Simeone Chorale: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ag4_Z6DsTsc/maxresdefault.jpg "The Little Drummer Boy (1965 Version)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag4_Z6DsTsc) That seems to be factually true, but interestingly they are also credited with being the original folks to do “Do You Hear What I Hear?” but for me, nope, Andy Williams is the one who owns that song: [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kU3mwbMbVs8/hqdefault.jpg "Andy Williams: "Do You Hear What I Hear?"") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU3mwbMbVs8) Meanwhile, nearly everybody thinks of “The Christmas Song” (aka “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) as being the personal property of Nat King Cole. He does have a golden voice but I grew up with the Firestone christmas record that had Julie Andrews doing it, so for me, it’s hers: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/v1lgA86bahc/maxresdefault.jpg "The Christmas Song (1965) - Julie Andrews") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1lgA86bahc) ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/2 "2024-12-30T19:55:03Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > For me, “The Little Drummer Boy” is totally the property of the Harry Simeone Chorale… > > That seems to be factually true I’ve been informed that no, there were recordings of it before the Harry Simeone group did theirs, so I retract that part. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/3 "2024-12-30T19:58:26Z")
Santa Baby: Eartha Kitt White Christmas: Bing Crosby The Christmas Song: Nat King Cole ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/4 "2024-12-30T20:18:49Z")
I can’t think of the last time I heard “We Three Kings” on Canadian radio that wasn’t the Barenaked Ladies/Sara McLachlan mash-up with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/HqgxWyJ_m40/maxresdefault.jpg "Barenaked Ladies (w/Sarah McLachlan) - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings (Official Audio)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqgxWyJ_m40) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/5 "2024-12-30T20:25:31Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > For me, “The Little Drummer Boy” is totally the property of the Harry Simeone Chorale Bing Crosby, for me. (No, not the version with Bowie.) ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/6 "2024-12-30T20:27:39Z")
The defining Christmas Album for me (not counting Dean Martin’s) is [A Very Special Christmas.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_Special_Christmas_(album)) I used to have it so consequently, I associate the covers on that album as the artist I identify them with. Specifically: [Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmZBC92pgrE) [I Saw Mommy Kissing Sant Claus - Mellencamp](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsat4e8jgHA) [Run, Run, Rudolf - Bryan Adams](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBTbC5ZNYgQ). I know the Chuck Berry version is great, but this the version I think of. And, finally, not on this album but [Please Come Home For Christmas - Eagles.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFWe2aVrIbo) ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/7 "2024-12-30T20:31:32Z")
Johnny Mathis-When A Child Is Born > **[Johnny Mathis - When a Child Is Born (from Home for Christmas)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCqhX89WV_0%2F)** > > Johnny Mathis performing "When a Child Is Born" from Home for ChristmasListen to Johnny Mathis: https://JohnnyMathis.lnk.to/listenYDEnjoy more Christmas clas... ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/8 "2024-12-30T20:44:49Z")
“I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” - Gayla Peavey ---
**Author:** ![J-P\_L](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/j-p_l/32/3156_2.png) [@J-P\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J-P_L)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/9 "2024-12-30T21:04:55Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > White Christmas: Bing Crosby > The Christmas Song: Nat King Cole Also Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/10 "2024-12-30T21:25:56Z")
The Christmas Song: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np2ZapISRzM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np2ZapISRzM) ---
**Author:** ![XOldiesJock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ec9cab/32.png) [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2024, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/11 "2024-12-30T23:07:51Z")
Though Andy Williams’ version of “Do You Hear What I Hear” is the first rendition I remember hearing, after many years of playing Bing Crosby’s version on the radio, I now identify the song with him. And who else could do “Dominic the Donkey” than the inimitable Lou Monte. I’ll admit it. I love that little song. It conjures up very happy images in my mind and makes me smile. When I’d play it on the radio I always turned up the monitor and sang along with it. Microphone off, of course. I wouldn’t have subjected our listeners to my singing voice! ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/12 "2024-12-31T00:09:46Z")
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” — Judy Garland (There’s No Place Like ) Home For The Holidays — Perry Como ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/13 "2024-12-31T00:19:18Z")
Johnny Mathis [Sleigh Ride](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7REPYJm6mM&ab_channel=ChristmasMusic) ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/14 "2024-12-31T00:26:06Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > That seems to be factually true, but interestingly they are also credited with being the original folks to do “Do You Hear What I Hear?” but for me, nope, Andy Williams is the one who owns that song: My parents had that Andy Williams Christmas album, but they also had one where Robert Goulet sang “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and that is who I associate with that song most strongly. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/15 "2024-12-31T00:33:49Z")
“All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” - George Rock ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/16 "2024-12-31T00:51:56Z")
For reference purposes, here’s a similar thread I started nearly 10 years ago. > [@Definitive versions of Christmas Songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definitive-versions-of-christmas-songs/739088): > > It’s that time of year again, where random awful radio stations convert to all Christmas music until you end up humming “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” while attempting to strangle the cat. So, to pass the time from singing the few Hanukkah songs in existence I think about the definitive versions of the classics. What do you think is classic version of each one? This should apply to songs that are covered often and don’t have just a few versions. I’ll start: White Christmas - Bing Crosby … “Christmas Wrapping” - The Waitresses ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/17 "2024-12-31T00:55:04Z")
Lil Saint Nick - The Beach Boys All I Want for Christmas - Mariah Carey ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/18 "2024-12-31T00:57:09Z")
Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea Fairytale of New York - Shane MacGowan / Kristy MacColl ---
**Author:** ![veryfrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/87869e/32.png) [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/19 "2024-12-31T14:41:29Z")
For some of these, I really don’t mind the cover versions. Sugar Ray did quite a decent version of “Little Saint Nick” and I like Amy MacDonald’s “Fairytale of New York.” But yeah, they’re truly owned by the original artists. My contribution to this thread: Run D.M.C. “Christmas in Hollis.” ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352/20 "2024-12-31T15:01:25Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Santa Baby: Eartha Kitt There are a zillion versions, but hers remains the best. “Christmas At Ground Zero” will always be associated with Weird Al. Dare we mention…Burl Ives and his Howlin’ Jowly Christmas? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-song-you-associate-with-a-specific-performer-recording/1012352.md?page=2)