We know Robert Wells and Mel Torme wrote “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” in the summer, attempting to stay cool on a hot day, which we discussed on episode S1E8, while reviewing the #3 Christmas song of all-time.
In an effort to help us all “stay cool” as we kick off Christmas in July, here are five essential versions of “The Christmas Song.”
5. Alex Chilton (1993) – Best known as the singer of the Box Tops and Big Star, Chilton recorded this song for his Cliches LP. It later appeared on the dB’s & Friends’ Christmas Time Again CD in 2006, along with tracks by Big Star, Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, and others.
4. The Jackson 5 (1970) – This version, from the Jackson 5 Christmas Album, is great, featuring strings, the amazing bass guitar that runs through the whole album, and the fun “Jingle Bells” background vocals at the end.
3. The Vince Guaraldi Trio (1966) – This instrumental version was recorded for the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, although it was not used in the TV special.
2. The Carpenters (1978) – As a Carpenters fan, this one is likely my favorite version. It includes the original opening (“All through the year, we’ve waited…”) and was included on the great Christmas Portrait album.
1. Nat King Cole (1961) – Cole originally recorded the first version of this tune in 1946 and then again in 1953. You can find these versions in different collections and even on YouTube. But the 1961 version is the one we hear the most on the radio each year and probably the version you hear in your head when you think of the song.
Snow in Southtown Christmas Podcast 