Oh to be the whip cracker…

As a kid this tune, performed by the Boston Pops on dads stereo, meant Christmastime was fast approaching. Later in high school band practice, playing this tune meant it was only October as we had to prepare early. Both as a kid and a high schooler it was always a favorite. I do have to say that when actually performing in the high school band it was always a joy. It’s just plain fun.
Crack that whip!

The Boston Pops / John Williams – Sleigh Ride – Live

Upsot?

We’ve always adored Barbra Streisand’s incredible rendition of Jingle bells that she debuted on her 1967 Barbra Streisand | A Christmas Album. Over the years it’s been covered and lip synched by many. However we here at Fearsome Beard | The Blog Thingy, have decided that Babs Levine covers it the best of all with her fabulous lip synch re-creation.
Take it away Babs … and get us  …Upsot?

Babs Levine – (Barbra Streisand’s 1967) Jingle Bells – 2013

USAF Band WWII Holiday Flashback / Flashmob

The only surviving WWII vet that I know alive today is 95 years of age. His name is Harry and unfortunately he has recently been diagnosed with a terminal cancer. Very few of these veterans remain with us today. They truly remind us that good can and will overcome evil.

A few years ago the USAF band flash mobbed this fabulous holiday tribute to the heroes from that era commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. I’ve posted it before and it’s worth another view. This year I dedicate it to Harry.

Harry thank you for being the inspiration you are to me and to many others. I’m blessed to have you in my life.

USAF Band – WWII Holiday Flashback – Live 2015

The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle

Pure childhood nostalgia describes what this holiday tune is for me. Dad loved both Burt Bacharach and Herb Albert so this was a holiday staple at our house. Hearing it still invokes the excitement of the approaching visit of Santa. 

Herb Albert – The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle – 1968 – written by Burt Bacharach 

A Christmas bell was cryin’ and Santa heard it say
I just can’t seem to jingle and I can’t go on the sleigh
Then Santa soon discovered the reason that it cried
The bell that couldn’t jingle, it had nothin’ there inside
Then Santa said
“Jack Frost will bring my Christmas gift to you
And on Christmas Eve, you’ll jingle
Just like you were brand new”
Then Jack Frost froze a teardrop
So each time that it swayed
The bell that couldn’t jingle, it went jingling all the way
The bell that couldn’t jingle, it went jingling all the way
Then Santa said
“Jack Frost will bring my Christmas gift to you
And on Christmas Eve, you’ll jingle
Just like you were brand new”
Then Jack Frost froze a teardrop
So each time that it swayed
The bell that couldn’t jingle, it went jingling all the way
The bell that couldn’t jingle, it went jingling all the way
It went jingling all the way, it went jingling all the way

 

I Beg Your Pardon

I never promised you a rose garden.

Lynn Anderson – ( I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden – Live performance 2011

🎵 So smile for a while and let’s be jolly, love shouldn’t be so melancholy, come on and enjoy the good times while we ca-a-a-aan 🎶

I’ve always rather enjoyed this tune from my childhood.