The 12 Records Of Yule: #2 – Burl Ives “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”
When it comes to holiday music, few albums sparkle quite like Burl Ives’ “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.” Released by Decca Records in October 1965, this festive gem has become a staple of the season, bringing cheer to countless listeners for nearly six decades. Originally recorded in 1964, Ives’ warm, folksy voice and charming storytelling make this album feel like a cozy fireside gathering with family and friends.
At the heart of this beloved collection lies the title track, “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” a song penned by Johnny Marks in 1962 that has since become one of the top 25 most-performed holiday tunes. This delightful ditty first graced the airwaves when Ives performed it as Sam the Snowman in the classic 1964 Rankin-Bass special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It was originally intended for another character, Yukon Cornelius, but Ives’ singing prowess won him the part, and the rest is history.
While Ives had previously recorded “A Holly Jolly Christmas” for the Rudolph soundtrack, he gave the song a fresh spin for this album. The new arrangement—a slower, more soulful rendition—has become the definitive version that listeners know and love today. Alongside this festive favorite, the album also features “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” ensuring fans can enjoy the magic of both tunes in one merry package.
The album peaked at #32 on Billboard’s Best Bets For Christmas chart in December 1967, but its legacy extends far beyond that initial ranking. Over the years, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” has re-entered the charts multiple times, including a remarkable resurgence in 2019 when it soared to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100—56 years after Ives last graced the Top 10. This feat not only made Ives the artist with the longest gap between Top 10 hits, but it also crowned him as the oldest artist to achieve such a milestone at 109 years old, surpassing even the legendary Louis Armstrong.
The album is a delightful mix of warmth and whimsy, featuring Ives’ signature storytelling style. With tracks that evoke the spirit of the season, it’s no wonder that “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” has sold over 664,000 copies in the digital era alone. The album has found new life on streaming platforms, proving that Ives’ music resonates just as deeply with today’s audiences as it did in the ‘60s.
As you deck the halls and sip hot cocoa this holiday season, let the soothing sounds of Burl Ives fill your home. His ability to capture the essence of Christmas in song makes “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” an essential part of any festive playlist. Stay tuned as we unwrap the next installment in The 12 Records Of Yule, where we’ll dive into another classic that has helped define our holiday soundscape.