If I was pressed to pick an absolute favorite Christmas song, it mght very well be this.
We have Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra to thank for making this song live up to its positive title.
This song was written for Garland to sing in the 1944 movie musical “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Her character was to sing it to her little sister, distraught over a family move from wholesome and loving St. Louis to evil and cold New York.
Garland thought the song made her character a meanie. So composers Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane softened some of the words, and the song was a hit.
Sinatra wanted to go further when he recorded it for his classic 1957 holiday album “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra.” His suggestion led to a change from “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow” to “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough” – a much needed uplift.
I love so many versions of this song. My favorite was recorded in the 1980s by Dexter Gordon’s quartet for an album called “God Rest Ye Merry Jazzmen.” I think this version is upbeat and welcoming, as if the band actually wants you to have a merry little Christmas.
Hope you enjoy it
SUBJECTISM 