I'm just catching up on a number of Substack newsletters and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this and the rest of the work you've produced this year. Hope you have a happy holiday season and all the best in the years ahead.
Hi Robert, thanks for this excellent post and an overview of the range of Frank's Christmas tunes. I didn't know the full range given I grew up on the albums my mom had, so this was really helpful as well as great fun.
For me, one of the additional reasons his holiday music was so special was because he was not only a pop star but an actor we loved to watch, as well as being a larger-than-life personality. Frank was always in the news back then, being part of Hollywood, part of the Rat Pack (with JFK's brother-in-law, Peter Lawford, as well as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr), and dating and marrying remarkably glamorous and beautiful women like Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow.
I didn't know until I watched a documentary about him recently how generous he was to people who needed help -- people who came to him but also people he read or heard about who were down on their luck, or ill, or suffering in some way -- and he would gift them what they needed. He never sought publicity for that, did it quietly, was committed to helping those less fortunate than himself.
If I remember right, he was also instrumental in changing the conditions for minority singers like Sammy Davis Jr, insisting on equal conditions and non-segregated audiences.
But you're right, it was also his attention to the music. He worked at everything, just made it look elegant and effortless.
Thanks again for collaborating with me this year. It's been my pleasure! Wishing you a happy holiday season!
Ellen, what is the name of the documentary, and is it available to be streamed? This aspect of Sinatra's personality is one which I have heard about repeatedly, but have been able to learn almost nothing about. He does indeed seem to have hidden his charities well, which attests to his genuineness in making them.
I'm pretty sure it's Sinatra in Palm Springs, which is available on youtube -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKbB3HyweWY. All about his life there, with a lot of interviews with people who knew him personally and witnessed his generosity. A very enjoyable documentary as well.
There is something about his recording of The Christmas Waltz which I have always been especially touched by: it is as though a mood of generosity of soul runs through it, a mood of sheer benevolence. I think that intangible but for me undeniable quality makes The Christmas Waltz his most touching contribution.
I would tend to agree. I also feel that each successive recording of it by Sinatra was better than the last. For me, the 1968 recording is deeply moving - the sentimental, sensitive side of Mr. S in full bloom.
As much as I love Sinatra, I never think of his Christmas songs. Thanks for making me aware of these delightful gems, Robert. I really enjoyed this post.
After listening to the songs that are posted by you I enjoy toggling between your Substack & Apple Music. I listen to the recordings that you recommend including interpretations by different artists. I pick a favorite but I enjoy each one. Thanks & Merry Christmas 🎄
Thanks for this article. I've spent an hour re-arranging my Frank Sinatra files in ITunes because of this. Putting songs where they belong and upgrading cover art and release date etc. using your information. I still have 4 songs I'm unsure of. From the compilation "The Sinatra Christmas Album" I don't think these songs are mentioned in your article. "The Bells of Christmas (Greensleeves)" and "I Wouldn't Trade Christmas". There's also 2 tracks called "I Believe" and "Christmas Dreaming" from the CD version of "A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra". I wonder where they belong.
Hi there - nice to hear from you (been a long time and hope you are well!).
The first two songs are from the 1968 album - Frank with his kids - there's also a version of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' with Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina each singing what they would give to Frank (he only appears at the end for the 12th day).
'I Believe' is from the late 50s and because it includes a brief reference to Christmas is often included in holiday compilations. My guess is the 'Christmas Dreaming' version included is from the forties - I'm unaware of any other recording by Sinatra.
I don't know if this counts or not, but I have heard in the past a radio broadcast of him doing "Ave Maria" with a full choir. Gorgeous...
It sure does count and is a marvelous recording.
I'm just catching up on a number of Substack newsletters and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this and the rest of the work you've produced this year. Hope you have a happy holiday season and all the best in the years ahead.
Thanks, Glenn - appreciate the kind words. All the best of the season to you too and a Happy New Year as well.
Hi Robert, thanks for this excellent post and an overview of the range of Frank's Christmas tunes. I didn't know the full range given I grew up on the albums my mom had, so this was really helpful as well as great fun.
For me, one of the additional reasons his holiday music was so special was because he was not only a pop star but an actor we loved to watch, as well as being a larger-than-life personality. Frank was always in the news back then, being part of Hollywood, part of the Rat Pack (with JFK's brother-in-law, Peter Lawford, as well as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr), and dating and marrying remarkably glamorous and beautiful women like Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow.
I didn't know until I watched a documentary about him recently how generous he was to people who needed help -- people who came to him but also people he read or heard about who were down on their luck, or ill, or suffering in some way -- and he would gift them what they needed. He never sought publicity for that, did it quietly, was committed to helping those less fortunate than himself.
If I remember right, he was also instrumental in changing the conditions for minority singers like Sammy Davis Jr, insisting on equal conditions and non-segregated audiences.
But you're right, it was also his attention to the music. He worked at everything, just made it look elegant and effortless.
Thanks again for collaborating with me this year. It's been my pleasure! Wishing you a happy holiday season!
Season's Greetings to you too, Ellen, and thank you for the kind words on my Sinatra piece.
Ellen, what is the name of the documentary, and is it available to be streamed? This aspect of Sinatra's personality is one which I have heard about repeatedly, but have been able to learn almost nothing about. He does indeed seem to have hidden his charities well, which attests to his genuineness in making them.
I'm pretty sure it's Sinatra in Palm Springs, which is available on youtube -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKbB3HyweWY. All about his life there, with a lot of interviews with people who knew him personally and witnessed his generosity. A very enjoyable documentary as well.
Thank you!
There is something about his recording of The Christmas Waltz which I have always been especially touched by: it is as though a mood of generosity of soul runs through it, a mood of sheer benevolence. I think that intangible but for me undeniable quality makes The Christmas Waltz his most touching contribution.
I would tend to agree. I also feel that each successive recording of it by Sinatra was better than the last. For me, the 1968 recording is deeply moving - the sentimental, sensitive side of Mr. S in full bloom.
As much as I love Sinatra, I never think of his Christmas songs. Thanks for making me aware of these delightful gems, Robert. I really enjoyed this post.
Thanks, Andrew - my pleasure, aa always.
After listening to the songs that are posted by you I enjoy toggling between your Substack & Apple Music. I listen to the recordings that you recommend including interpretations by different artists. I pick a favorite but I enjoy each one. Thanks & Merry Christmas 🎄
Thank you, Joyce, for your note. I appreciate it. A Merry Christmas to you too.
Thanks for this article. I've spent an hour re-arranging my Frank Sinatra files in ITunes because of this. Putting songs where they belong and upgrading cover art and release date etc. using your information. I still have 4 songs I'm unsure of. From the compilation "The Sinatra Christmas Album" I don't think these songs are mentioned in your article. "The Bells of Christmas (Greensleeves)" and "I Wouldn't Trade Christmas". There's also 2 tracks called "I Believe" and "Christmas Dreaming" from the CD version of "A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra". I wonder where they belong.
Hi there - nice to hear from you (been a long time and hope you are well!).
The first two songs are from the 1968 album - Frank with his kids - there's also a version of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' with Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina each singing what they would give to Frank (he only appears at the end for the 12th day).
'I Believe' is from the late 50s and because it includes a brief reference to Christmas is often included in holiday compilations. My guess is the 'Christmas Dreaming' version included is from the forties - I'm unaware of any other recording by Sinatra.
All is well (as Chicago says on "V"). Thanks for update. The Frank Sinatra section of my ITunes looks much better now.
Awesome - all the best of the season to you.