Music Monday - "Let There Be Peace on Earth" by Nat King Cole (1963)

Last week was a sad one in America, with tragic news of violence over and over again.  In the midst of this, I kept thinking of this song.  I remember singing it in elementary school music class when I was a little girl, and it has always brought me peace and hope.  It imparts the idea that no matter what is going on in the world, we can all be a voice for peace.

This song was written in 1955 by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller for a children's choir.  It has become a classic and is now often performed at Christmas time, as well as in churches throughout the year.  The inspiring lyrics include these lines:

"Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me."

I looked for a version of this song and found this unusual video on Youtube.  It features Nat King Cole (one of my all time favorite singers) performing on Danny Kaye's Christmas Special in 1963 along with Danny Kaye and a young Mary Tyler Moore (circa The Dick Van Dyke Show years).  It's a short, simple, lovely version, and I hope it speaks to you, too.



I would love to hear from you in the comments.  Are there any special songs that bring comfort to you?

Music Monday - "Silver Bells" by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards (1950)

"Silver Bells" is one of my favorite Christmas songs.  I love old fashioned holiday music;  it always evokes so many memories.  When I was growing up, my parents had lots of Christmas albums, and getting them out each year to listen always put me in the mood for the holidays.   This is one of those songs that I always loved.  I've always thought of it as such a quintessential Mid-Century Christmas song. 

I love the way the lyrics capture the feeling of Christmas in a city:

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas"

and

"Strings of streetlights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
Home with their treasures."

"Silver Bells" was written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.  It was originally called "Tinkle Bells" until Ray Evans played the song for his wife, who reminded him of the childhood use of the word "tinkle."  The title was quickly changed to "silver."

The most famous version of the song was recorded by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards on Decca Records in 1950.  Carol Richards was a singer who also dubbed songs for actresses in several movies, including Vera Ellen (Call Me Madam) and Cyd Charisse (Brigadoon, Silk Stockings).   Bing Crosby's voice always just reminds me of Christmas -- he is so associated with the holiday because of his wonderful Christmas songs.

Do you have any special memories of this song?  What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder (1967)

Regular readers here will know that I am a huge Motown fan, and especially love Stevie Wonder's voice.   I'm sure it will be no surprise that "Someday at Christmas" by Stevie Wonder is one of my favorite Christmas songs.  It is just so beautiful - his voice gives me chills.  It is also a moving wish for peace at Christmas time.  This song was originally released in 1967 on the Someday at Christmas album.

You have probably seen the recent commercial, as well, for Apple products.  It features Stevie Wonder singing this song with Andra Day, and it is a lovely rendition.

Do you remember this song? Or do you have other Christmas favorites from Motown? I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Music Monday - "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole (1961)

What is your favorite Christmas song? Mine is "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole. No other song more perfectly captures the nostalgic feeling of childhood Christmas to me. 

"Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly" (lyrics to the song).

This song was written by Bob Wells and Mel Torme in 1945.  According to legend, Mel Torme wrote this song on a very hot day in order to think cool.   Nat King Cole recorded several versions of the song over the years, the first in 1946.  The one that most of us remember was recorded in 1961 in stereo.  It is the version you hear on the radio today, and the version in the video, below. 

Do you also enjoy this Christmas classic?  What is YOUR favorite Christmas song?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.