Four of nine siblings–Joseph, Gene, Vic and Ed Urick– were a big singing sensation. I’m listening to a compilation of The Ames Brothers singing classic Christmas songs. Their voices are stunning. Fans know Ed from his acting and solo singing career as well. I didn’t know they were from Massachusetts or their Ukrainian heritage.
“In 1956, they starred in their own show, The Ames Brothers Show, which was seen on Friday nights. It was the first syndicated television show to be shown in foreign countries…
Going down to Bethlehem, see the little son of man
Lying away in the manger, praise the Prince of Peace
Wheels start turning, fires start burning
Shine a light on the wise men journeying from the East.
[Chorus:]
How could a little baby boy, be bringing down so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
It must be Christmas, must be tonight
See the shepards on a hillside, looking up at the sky
On a cold winter night they hear the angel’s sing
In a dream I heard a voice, said fear not, come rejoice
It’s the end of the beginning, praise the new born King
Just a little baby boy, he’s brining us so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
It must be Christmas, must be tonight
[Chorus]
Then it came to pass, the child was born at last
Happened right before the star that shines on high
How could a little baby boy, be bringing down so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
It must be Christmas, must be tonight
[Chorus]
Must be tonight, it must be tonight
Christmas must be tonight
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
All right and it’s all right, Mary carried the holy light
The original recording by The Band (1977), written by Robbie Robertson.
REPOSTED
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A very special rendition of “Christmas Must Be Tonight” recorded Live at Daryl’s House. I think this is a somewhat obscure Christmas song; perhaps in time Daryl Hall’s version will help it gain recognition, deservedly so!
Going down to Bethlehem, see the little son of man
Lying away in the manger, praise the Prince of Peace
Wheels start turning, fires start burning
Shine a light on the wise men journeying from the East.
[Chorus:]
How could a little baby boy, be bringing down so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
It must be Christmas, must be tonight
See the shepards on a hillside, looking up at the sky
On a cold winter night they hear the angel’s sing
In a dream I heard a voice, said fear not, come rejoice
It’s the end of the beginning, praise the new born King
Just a little baby boy, he’s brining us so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
It must be Christmas, must be tonight
[Chorus]
Then it came to pass, the child was born at last
Happened right before the star that shines on high
How could a little baby boy, be bringing down so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
It must be Christmas, must be tonight
[Chorus]
Must be tonight, it must be tonight
Christmas must be tonight
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
All right and it’s all right, Mary carried the holy light
The original recording by The Band (1977), written by Robbie Robertson.
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Rather than post the beautiful and familiar Bing Crosby rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka,” we have here a ukelele tutorial brought to you by Mele Fong from the shores of Hawaii!
To add to your Hawaiian Christmas experience, learn how to hula to “Mele Kalikimaka,” with this dance tutorial.
Another fun rendition ~
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“Oh Happy Day,” sung by Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples, is one of my favorite songs at Christmastime and it was a delight to discover this video of fantastic early footageof Aretha Franklin performing at Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, the church founded by C.L. Franklin, Aretha’s father.
Please send us your suggestion of favorite holiday music. We would love to include in the Christmas Carol Countdown!
Everett Harlow writes: “An original song by Paul “Sasquatch” Cohan celebrating America’s Oldest Seaport, Gloucester Massachusetts. Sasquatch covers the vocals and guitar, John Hicks plays mandolin and bass, and Ev Harlow did the video. Special thanks to Joey at Good Morning Gloucester for some of the images. Merry Christmas Cape Ann!”
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Louis Prima, “The King of Swing,” was a New Orleans born son of Sicilian immigrants. Primo’s career spanned five decades and he was a trumpeter, singer, songwriter, and actor. Prima was also the voice of the orangutan in Disney’s the Jungle Book, performing the song “I Wanna be Like You.”
I am curious to know if any GMG readers ever saw Louis Prima play during his long career.
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I wish I could fly.  That’s the title of a gorgeous Christmas song by Fly Amero & Allen Estes (Fly gets top billing — it’s not called I wish I could Allen).
Fly Amero (L) with Allen Estes (R)
You can hear this song on Aurelia Nelson’s show Curtain Up on North Shore 104.9 FM Tomorrow (Sunday, Dec 23) at 9am.  You’ll also hear a beauty by Aaron Neville.  If you were lucky, you saw Aaron Neville at North Shore Music Theatre in August with Henri Smith opening.
And tonight you’ve got excellent live music choices in all four Cape Ann towns. Â See the live music lineup here.
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Those of you who like Christmas music are in luck tonight. Â Fly Amero is signing Christmas songs with his brother J.B. and Allen Estes at the Rhumbline tonight starting at 8pm.
Then catch the Local Music Seen with Allen Estes 2011 Christmas Special at 11pm on Cape Ann TV Channel 12 (originally aired last year) featuring Dan King, Daisy Nell & Capt. Stan, Ann Marie, Bradley Royds, Inge Berge, Chelsea Berry, Dave Sag, Courtney Reid and Allen’s son Dylan Estes.  Here’s a video of many of the performers singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. (see more air times here)
Are you the type of person who actually LOVES Christmas songs? I am, and find it really keeps my spirits lifted during the holiday season. I enjoy playing it throughout our home and when in the car (to the dismay of my husband) and adore Christmas music of all genres; traditional carols and standards, spirituals, and most especially, pop and rock and roll Christmas songs.  My list is quickly growing too long as I write this–The Pretender’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” U2’s “Baby Please Come Home,” Brenda Lee’s “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus,” Eartha Kit’s “Santa Baby,” and a new favorite, Michael Buble’s version of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” to name only a very few. If you have a favorite Christmas song, or two, or three, or more, I would love to know yours.
Here’s of one of my all time favorites to keep your spirits up and to get you through the holiday madness, “Christmas All Over Again,” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I think you’ll enjoy the funny and sweet lyrics.
Well, it’s Christmas time again
Decorations are all hung by the fire
Everybody’s singin’, all the bells are ringing out
And it’s Christmas all over again, yeah, again
Long distance relatives
Haven’t seen ’em in a long, long time
Yeah, I kind of missed ’em, I just don’t wanna kiss ’em, no
It’s Christmas all over again, yeah, again
And all over town, little kids gonna get down
And Christmas is a rockin’ time, put your body next to mine
Underneath the mistletoe we go, we go
Everybody’s singin’, all the bells are ringin’ out
It’s Christmas all over again, yeah, again
And right down our block, little kids start to rock
And Christmas is a rockin’ time, put your body next to mine
Underneath the mistletoe we go, we go
Merry Christmas time come and find you happy
And there by your fire, I hope you have a good one
I hope momma gets her shoppin’ done
And it’s a Christmas all over again
Baby, it’s Christmas all over again
And it’s Christmas all over again
Now let’s see, I want a new Rickenbacker guitar
Two Fender bassmans
Chuck Berry songbooks, xylophone
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Good Morning Gloucester 