December 25th – The First Day Of Christmas
The 12 Records Of Yule: #1 – Bing Crosby’s “Merry Christmas”
As the holiday season rolls around, a familiar tune begins to fill the air, one that has become synonymous with Christmas itself. It’s Bing Crosby’s “Merry Christmas,” a compilation album that has transcended generations since its initial release in 1945. Originally dropped on Decca Records, this festive collection has not just survived but thrived through the vinyl, CD, and digital file eras, proving to be an evergreen classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
At the heart of this iconic album is “White Christmas,” arguably Crosby’s signature song and the best-selling single of all time, with a staggering 50 million copies sold worldwide. This track alone has cemented Crosby’s place in holiday music history, earning the album a 4× Platinum certification from the RIAA for over 4 million copies sold in the U.S. Its infectious charm and nostalgic warmth have helped the album soar to the top of the Billboard pop albums chart for a remarkable 39 weeks.
Originally released in 1945, “Merry Christmas” comprised ten songs spread over five 78 records, each dripping with holiday spirit—except for a poignant duet, “Danny Boy” paired with “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The album’s success was fueled by the unprecedented popularity of “White Christmas,” and its initial release quickly nabbed the top spot on Billboard’s Best-selling popular record albums chart, a position it held for several weeks.
The first post war Christmas celebrated after the conclusion of World War Two was ushered in with the release of Crosby’s Christmas album, the first of its kind. Consisting of 10 previously released Crosby songs, Decca Records made the bold choice of re-packaging the similarly themed songs using a Christmas theme, in effect giving rise to the first ever concept album, as well as the first ever Christmas album as we know them today.
Decca wasn’t done with Crosby just yet. In 1947, they released a second edition, cataloged as Decca A-550, featuring fresh recordings of “White Christmas” and “Silent Night.” In an unusual twist, the 1942 master of “White Christmas” had worn out, prompting Crosby and Decca to re-record it with the same orchestra and chorus to capture that original magic. The 1955 vinyl LP configuration added even more holiday cheer, featuring collaborations with the Andrews Sisters on tracks like “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
The evolution of “Merry Christmas” didn’t stop there. As the music industry pivoted to embrace the long-playing album format, Decca responded with a 10-inch LP in 1949, before transitioning to a 12-inch LP in 1955, which included four additional tracks. This version, with Crosby donning his classic Santa hat on the cover, has become the definitive edition, remaining in print longer than any other album in U.S. history save for the original cast recording of Oklahoma!
The album has seen numerous reissues, from 45 rpm box sets in the 1950s to CD transfers in the 1980s, each iteration maintaining the spirit of that original holiday cheer. However, not all re-releases have been met with enthusiasm. The 1963 stereo mixes, with their added reverb, were criticized for diluting the intimate feel of Crosby’s original recordings.
As the holiday season approaches, “Merry Christmas” continues to be a staple on playlists, a comforting reminder of simpler times and the joy of togetherness. Whether it’s the black-and-white cover art of yesteryear or the more modern vinyl reissues, the album remains a cherished part of our cultural fabric, embodying the spirit of Christmas like no other.
So as you cozy up by the fire, let Bing Crosby’s dulcet tones wash over you this holiday season. With each note, you’re not just listening to music; you’re partaking in a timeless tradition that has warmed hearts for nearly eight decades. Stay tuned for the next installment of The 12 Records Of Yule, where we’ll unwrap another gem from the holiday vault.