10 Nostalgic Black Christmas Songs to Celebrate the Holidays

By admin
Dec 22, 2010
6:18 pm

When I was a child, what I loved most about Christmas was the music that would fill our home during the holiday season. I still recall many of those merry melodies and as a tribute, I’ve compiled a list of my top ten favorite Christmas songs of all time. –torrance stephens, ph.d.

10. “Let it Snow” (Ella Fitzgerald): With backing by the Frank Devol Orchestra, this rocking song is featured on Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.

9. “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (Mahalia Jackson): This is a classic song performed by a classic vocalist. Jackson carries the tune to a triumphant close.

8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Lou Rawls): This song is featured on Rawls’s Christmas Will Be Christmas.

7. “Do You Hear What I Hear” (Johnny Mathis): Mathis, who started his music career in 1956, was known for having a strong melodic voice. This song lets you “hear” why he’s an American treasure.

6. “White Christmas” (Charlie Parker): Some of the best Christmas songs were done by America’s greatest jazz musicians. This live 1940’s performance featuring Charlie Parker, Kenny Dorham and Max Roach is without comparison.

5. “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” (Nat King Cole) – Although hits on this Christmas album could’ve held each position on this list, the vocals on this particular track highlight Cole’s velvety voice and warm the soul.

4. “That Spirit of Christmas” (Ray Charles): Featured on the 1985 album with the same title, this song is a must have for any Christmas collection.

3. “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto” (James Brown): While this was a close tie with “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” a quick review of the lyrics makes Brown’s hit a top pick: “Santa Clause, go straight to the ghetto. / Tell him James Brown sent you.”

2. “I Saw Santa Kissing Santa Claus” (Jackson 5): This song is featured on The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. Sweet and funny, it warms your heart every time.

1. “This Christmas” (Donny Hathaway): Originally issued in 1970, this single reached number 11 on the Billboard charts in 1972. It’s probably one of the greatest original R&B Christmas songs ever.