Backstory: Classic American Christmas Music

Most of the classic American Christmas songs come from the 1940s. What was it about that decade that accounts for an explosion of Christmas music that's stood the test of time? What is it about those songs that sounds so Christmassy? And why are Christmas classics so few and far between in recent generations? Join me and Berklee College of Music professor Chris North to dive in! Music in This Episode "Sleigh Ride" — Marcus Staab, via Musopen"Home for the Holidays" — Track Tribe, via You...

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Behind every Christmas tradition is a story, often a forgotten one. Every year as we put up a tree and pour the eggnog, we’re continuing generations-old narratives, while being mostly unaware of their starting chapters. Join Brian Earl to explore the fascinating stories behind the most wonderful time of the year. It's equal parts nerdy deep dive and warmhearted celebration. Think: NPR meets Clement Clarke Moore! Christmas Past is one of the longest running Christmas podcasts, now in its tenth season. Vanity Fair says: "With excellent production, engaging narration, and short, digestible running times, Christmas Past is perfect to put on while decorating your tree or preparing Christmas dinner."Brian's 2022 book, Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions, is available in hardcover from Lyons Press and an audiobook from Recorded Books! Get your copy today wherever books are sold. And remember...it makes a great gift!