In Loving Memory of Mitchell Gregory Kezin (Augustus 10, 1963 – January 28, 2024)
We are with heavy hearts since hearing of the recent passing of our pop culture Christmas Music guru, Mitchell Gregory Kezin, aged 60, on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Much more than the man behind all things Christmas, Mitchell was a beloved son, brother, family member, mentor and friend. His absence has left a void that will never be filled.
Throughout Mitchell’s remarkable life he had a passion for art and music. He had a deep appreciation for the alternative and unconventional, as exemplified by his electrifying Christmas Music documentary “JINGLE BELL ROCKS!”.
Making the film granted Mitchell an exclusive backstage pass into the mysterious world of alternative Christmas music. Mitchell, along with The Flaming Lips, Run DMC, and John Waters, explored the strange and sublime universe of this often misunderstood and under appreciated music genre. Through his film, he celebrated the creativity and originality of alternative Christmas songs, offering a fresh new perspective on traditional holiday themes.
Mitchell’s love for music extended beyond his involvement in the documentary. He cherished the power of music to inspire, heal, and bring people together. His passion for collecting and sharing obscure and offbeat songs enriched the lives of countless others through his social media presence with Jingle Bell Rocks! Doc as well as his much cherished yearly Christmas Mix shared freely to fans and admirers the world over.
Mitchell’s dedication to preserving the stories behind these lesser-known Christmas recordings, as revealed through interviews with recording artists and songwriters, exemplified his commitment to the art form. He embraced the challenge of reinventing the seasonal soundtrack of the 20th century for the 21st century, encouraging others to explore the vast and diverse world of Christmas music.
As we honor Mitchell’s life and legacy, let us remember his unwavering passion for music and the arts. May his spirit continue to inspire us to embrace the alternative, to seek beauty in the unconventional, and to cherish the power of music to bring joy, healing, and connection into our lives.
Mitchell, you will be deeply missed, but your memory will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest in eternal peace, dear friend. And so we end with where it all began…
The little boy that Santa Claus forgot…