Celebrating Nat King Cole’s timeless holiday album.
Nat King Cole’s 1960 album “The Christmas Song” stands as a crowning achievement in an already illustrious career. Released during a transformative period in American history, this album solidified Cole’s status as a trailblazing musical figure and continues to be a cherished holiday classic.
Launched on March 30, 1960, the album perfectly encapsulates Christmas. Cole’s ability to convey warmth and emotion through his voice breathed new life into holiday classics. The title track, “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), remains the centerpiece of the album with its timeless charm and Cole’s velvety voice.
Amidst the challenges of racial segregation and inequality, Cole’s album broke down barriers. His success as an African-American artist challenged societal norms, showcasing the power of talent and representation to transcend discrimination. The album’s critical acclaim and commercial success spoke to Cole’s ability to use music to connect with diverse audiences and bridge gaps in a divided nation.
“The Christmas Song” album and its legacy endures. It has been certified multiplatinum and remains in the top 10 highest-selling holiday albums of all time. Even in the era of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole’s collection remains the top-selling Christmas album released in the 1960s.
For retro and retro-inspired equipment for spinning MCM Christmas music, don’t miss MCM Christmas Music: A Playlist of Classics and Originals and Staff Wish Lists: Mid Century Tunes and Record Players. If you love to listen to MCM and MCM-inspired music beyond Christmastime, find some recommendations Contemporary Music With Throwback Mid Century Sounds. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!
