Sunday, December 23, 2012

Mel Torme and Judy Garland - "The Christmas Song" (1963)


Everyone knows the version of “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. You might have to jog people’s memories with the first line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…..” but for the most part, everybody knows the rest of the song. That’s why I chose this version to post. It’s from a 1963 television special, but it is performed by its composer, the marvelous Mel Torme. And, as if that weren’t enough of an attraction, he is joined by the legendary Judy Garland in delivering one of the most beautiful versions of this iconic song.
I’m not doing much between now and New Year’s. Playing guitar, reading, blogging, blogging and listening to music. It can be a pleasant rut, especially in the winter time. But every now and again, something comes along and grabs your attention. That’s what this video did to me; it grabbed my attention and made me want to share it.

Mel Torme was 19 years old when he wrote this song; others would follow; but had he never written another, it’s almost enough to say that that song alone would have fulfilled his destiny. Not to mention the pile of money it generated for Nat King Cole…

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