#32 'White Christmas' by Bing Crosby (1947)

SONG

"It's hard to imagine a Christmas without hearing this song. I had no idea it was so old though. I definitely agree with this one being on the list, it has truly stood the test of time but I have no fear that anyone will die without having heard it, haha. I'm also pleased to announce that MY favourite Christmas song also made this list, but it's going to be a long journey before we get to it." - LC

Written by: Irving Berlin.
Producer: Uncredited.
Label: Decca.

FACTS

• The song's writer, Irving Berlin, was a famously terrible pianist and never learnt how to write musical notation, yet despite this he managed to write more than 800 published songs; a catalog of success which has yet to be matched by any other song writer.
• First drafted by Irving in 1940, White Christmas appeared in 1942, sung by Bing Crosby in the film Holiday Inn.
• Although this recording was released at the height of summer, its timing coincided with the escalation of US involvement in WWII. The song's sentimentality struck a chord with the soldiers parted from their loved ones and the life they once knew. The song reached number 1 by October.
• Five years later, Crosby was asked to re-record the song because of the degradation of the original master plate; it is this version we are most familiar with today.
• The song has been credited with 50 million sales worldwide and is, therefore, the biggest selling single of all time.
• It has since been covered by a variety of artists, including: Frank Sinatra, The Drifters, Elvis Presley, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Doris Day, The Supremes, Bob Marley, Dean Martin, Barbara Streisand, Otis Redding, Stiff Little Fingers, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, New Kids on the Block, Martina McBride, Chicago, A1, Bette Midler, LeAnn Rhymes, Dionne Warwick, Westlife, Twisted Sister, Taylor Swift, Rick Astley, Boy George,and Michael Buble ft. Shania Twain.

Recommended songs by this artist...

#10 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (1932)