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Song of the Day: Looks Like December, composed and performed by the great Antonio Carlos Jobim, is a poignant song of memory to mark the end of a month, the end of a year. Listen to an audio sample of Jobim, and have a very happy and safe New Year's Eve.
Song of the Day: Wintersong, composed by immortal alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, is based on the chord changes to the classic standard, "These Foolish Things." Listen to a sweet Paul Desmond-Gerry Mulligan version of this lovely seasonal ballad.
Song of the Day: All I Want for Christmas features the words and music of Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey, who can be seen in this jovial YouTube moment (with Johnny Depp). Check out as well this slower version by The Cheetah Girls.
Song of the Day: We Three Kings (Of Orient Are), written by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins III, is a classic Christmas carol. Check out a Claymation video of this song.
Song of the Day: We Need a Little Christmas, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, originated in the Broadway production of "Mame." "Right this very minute," check out an audio clip by Angela Landsbury (from the 1966 Original Broadway Cast recording), and YouTube moments with Lucille Ball, Johnny Mathis, and Percy Faith.
Song of the Day: Santa Baby, music and lyrics by Joan Javits, Philip Springer, and Tony Springer, was a huge hit for Eartha Kitt, who passed away yesterday at the age of 81. Check out a few YouTube moments with Kylie Minogue, Madonna, and Eartha Kitt herself!
Song of the Day: Silent Night, written originally with German lyrics by Josef Mohr and music by Franz Xaver Gruber, was translated into English by John Freeman Young. It is one of those simple but lovely carols of the season. Take a listen to various versions of the carol here, and then listen to audio clips by Gene Autry, Josh Grobin, and Barbra Streisand. Merry Christmas to Notablog Readers.
Song of the Day: It's All Right with Me, words and music by the incomparable Cole Porter, from the musical "Can-Can," is one of the great American standards. Listen to audio clips of Harry Connick, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Joe Pass, and Oscar Peterson. I'm dedicating this classic standard to Danny Stiles, who has been playing classic standards for eons on the radio in the New York metropolitan area, and who celebrates his 85th birthday today at John's Pizzeria at 260 West 44th Street in Manhattan. Happy birthday!