One of our favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit is to put on music that celebrates the season.
However, we recently noticed that a handful of old-time crooners sing some of our favorite Christmas tunes. These talented artists with magical voices deserve attention.
Today, we want to share the holiday music on our Christmas playlist to help get you into the right mood
Let’s hit it!
Great Crooners Will Add Nostalgia to Your Christmas Playlist
Crooners are typically male singers with smooth and intimate vocal abilities. They use their voice to communicate a sense of vulnerability and romance which helps them to capture and keep the attention of listeners.
The musical style was most popular from the 1940s to the late 1960s. Many of these artists performed along with well-known big bands. Some famous crooners also created several of the biggest Christmas hits we love today.
Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole fit this category. But a more modern example would be the silky voice of Canadian Michael Bublé. If you listen to seasonal holiday music, you’ve likely heard one of their songs at some point.
Don’t miss your chance to add these crooners and their classic tunes to your Christmas playlist. We’re sharing their best pieces that are sure to add a special touch to your festive gatherings.
#1 Bing Crosby
Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby Jr. was born in Tacoma, Washington, on May 3, 1903. He rose to fame during the 1930s and 1940s as a music and film star. Many consider him to be the first multimedia star.
His deep baritone voice was responsible for many of the best Christmas songs and also influenced other crooners. With radios becoming increasingly more common, listeners fell in love with Crosby. A couple of his biggest holiday hits include Winter Wonderland and The Little Drummer Boy.
Best Christmas Song
With nearly half a billion plays on Spotify, White Christmas is Bing Crosby’s greatest Christmas song. If that’s not enough proof, in 2012, Guinness World Records named it the best-selling physical single of all time.
Irving Berlin wrote the song in 1940. It reportedly only took Crosby 18 minutes to record on May 29, 1942. White Christmas instantly began winning over audiences and continues to do so 80 years later.
There’s something special about Crosby’s voice and the song’s enduring message that makes it easy to love. As a result of the tune’s success, Bing Crosby is often crowned the King of Christmas Music.
#2 Dean Martin
Dino Paul Crocetti, better known as Dean Martin, was born on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio. He’s another OG crooner with some massive Christmas hits. A singer, actor, and comedian, he earned the King of Cool nickname.
Some of his greatest success was due to being a part of the Rat Pack. Martin was also buddies with Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. His success was primarily due to multiple appearances on the big screen in numerous movies. In addition, he was the host of The Dean Martin Show from 1965 to 1974.
Best Christmas Song
Silver Bells was composed initially by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and is a popular piece of holiday music. The warmth of Martin’s baritone voice perfectly captures the song’s elegance.
The lyrics depict city sidewalks and streets decorated for the season while bustling with shoppers. For many of us, the tune is a combination of nostalgia and joy. It’s withstood the test of time and remains a favorite track today.
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#3 Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 12, 1915. An iconic crooner, Ol’ Blue Eyes, remains popular, especially for his Christmas music.
He was also one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Frank’s unique ability to confidently deliver lyrics set him apart. He dabbled in various genres, including swing, big band, and jazz. Sinatra’s biggest hits include My Way, Fly Me to the Moon, and New York, New York.
Best Christmas Song
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was written in 1943 and initially performed by Judy Garland. However, Sinatra put his personal touches on it when he recorded it in 1957. While other artists like Michael Bublé, Sam Smith, and Josh Groban covered the classic tune, none will ever top Sinatra’s success with it.
The song demonstrates Frank Sinatra’s ability to hit and hold challenging notes. His voice is the focal point as an orchestra plays lightly in the background. As bass notes bounce around, it’s easy to find yourself reflecting on the holiday season.
#4 Nat King Cole
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1919, Nathan Adams Cole was one of history’s most famous American singers and jazz pianists. His most popular songs include L-O-V-E, Mona Lisa, and Unforgettable.
Aside from singing, Cole had a massive influence on pop culture. In 1956, he became the first African American man to host a nationally televised variety show. Despite racial challenges, Nat King Cole went on to have a massive impact on the entertainment industry.
Best Christmas Song
The Christmas Song is another classic number and one of the best recorded by crooner Nat King Cole. Written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, Cole recorded the tune in 1946. The opening line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” is one of the most recognized lyrics of any piece of holiday music.
In this Christmas tune, Cole’s deep voice sits over a light orchestra. The instruments combine perfectly to create the perfect holiday atmosphere. It’s an excellent option for your seasonal parties or simply relaxing by a crackling fire.
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#5 Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. was born in Harlem, New York, on December 8, 1925. He was a singer, dancer, actor, and comedian nicknamed Mr. Bojangles. His career launched into fame as a member of the Rat Pack.
Unfortunately, most of Davis’ career faced one challenge after another. Despite the obstacles, he persevered and shined in numerous musical genres, including jazz, pop, rhythm, and blues.
Some of his biggest hits include The Candy Man, I’ve Gotta Be Me, and What Kind of Fool Am I. However, he also recorded several holiday music numbers.
Best Christmas Song
In 1965, Sammy Davis Jr. showed off his abilities by covering Christmas Time All Over the World. This joyous song celebrates the holiday season and is an upbeat and lively arrangement. The brass instruments and swing rhythm drive the energy.
One of the most significant aspects of this tune is that it brings listeners together regardless of location. The holiday is about putting aside differences and uniting to celebrate the season. While he may have experienced larger successes with other songs, we love the message of this tune.
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Add Christmas Cheer with Classic Crooners
Now you have some OG crooners to spice up your Christmas playlist. You can add these suggestions to your holiday music soundtrack or create an entirely new one. But these artists are a great place to start in helping you set the perfect vibe for a holiday party or enjoy a cup of holiday cheer. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!