Film, Music & TV
35. A Diva's Christmas Carol (top) Who knew a VH-1 movie could be so much fun! Sure, everyone loves Vanessa Williams's witchy Wilhemina on Ugly Betty, but her Ebony Scrooge can go toe to toe with Miss Wilhemina any day of the week.
34. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (top) I'm sorry, but the Grinch is the man. I'll be watching this (the original!) when I'm ninety years old.
33. This Christmas by Donny Hathaway, 32. Silent Night by the Temptations, 31. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.
As far as I'm concerned, it is NOT Christmastime until I hear these songs. I swear cakes don't rise and the greens don't taste right until they are played in their entirety! Once they are played, you may proceed with your holiday celebration.
30. Give Love on Christmas Day by The Jackson 5 - Instantly, I am seven years old when I hear this, but it's a good thing. Oh Michael...
29. Santa, Baby by Eartha Kitt - Eartha's classic wink-and-nod holiday favorite has been covered countless, and I do mean countless times. But, there's nothing like her purr-fect original.
28. O Holy Night by Mariah Carey - O Holy Night is easily my favorite Christmas song ever. When it's done right I get chills and Mariah does the job here. I also like the renditions by Yolanda Adams and Sandi Patty.
27. The Christmas Music of Johnny Mathis - I'm especially partial to Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland and, of course, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
26. Jingle All The Way by Lena Horne (top) This is a fun new addition to my iPod. I always love Lena's no-nonsense get outta my way honey delivery. While I was at it, I added two non-Christmas songs: Summertime and her signature song, Stormy Weather.
25. 
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Nancy Wilson - Can I tell you my quick Nancy Wilson story? I met her a few years ago backstage in her dressing room at the Blue Note (the legendary Manhattan jazz club). She was in her bathrobe reading a book and she was flawless with no makeup. And she's still beautiful today - check her out here in the new issue of Essence.
24. Baby, It's Cold Outside by Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell - This is a really nice version from Vanessa's first Christmas album. Bobby Caldwell (for the young'uns out there) is known for his huge hit What You Won't Do For Love (you'll try everything, but you won't give up... in my wooorld... only you...) Yeah, that one. He's bad.
23. Christmas in Hollis by Run D.M.C. - It's Christmas time in Hollis, Queens! Mom's cookin' chicken and collard greens! Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and Santa putting gifts under Christmas trees! Decorate the house with lights at night! Snow on the ground -
Okay, let me stop...
Great song choices! That Jackson 5 Christmas Album was a staple in my house as a kid. Young Michael was so precious. "I did! I really did see Santa Claus!" And I've been bumping Run-DMC since the beginning of the month. I do believe it's my favorite Christmas song. Love the video too, with the wicked elf.
Posted by: afrobella | 2006.12.15 at 03:56 PM
PS: I also love Vanessa Williams version of What Child is This. So jazzy smooth!
Posted by: afrobella | 2006.12.15 at 04:09 PM
I forgot about Vanessa's "What Child is This?" That is very nice! If I'm not mistaken, I think she did a video for it too.
Posted by: Nichelle | 2006.12.15 at 04:22 PM
Very interesting !
Posted by: Marina | 2006.12.19 at 07:49 AM