Each December, I like to listen to Christmas songs. And the end of the year is a time to reflect on what was gained and what was lost. Here is a holiday playlist featuring the musicians we lost in 2024 (age of death in parenthesis). Click on the underlined titles to hear seasonal songs from the late stars of the last 12 months.
Jo-El Sonnier (77) was just as popular with Cajun as with Country music. Now, there will be "No More One More Time." We will have a “Blue Christmas” without the sweet sounds of Sonnier’s accordion.
Melanie (76) brought us a "Brand New Key" for our roller skates in the early 70s and became an international star with "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)." Think of her plaintive voice and gentle spirit as she wishes us a “Merry Christmas.”
Fans of Bob Marley & the Wailers will recall bandleader Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett (77). If you remember “Jamming” with “Three Little Birds” powered by Barrett’s driving bass, you will enjoy a journey to Jamaica because “Christmas is Here.”
Toby Keith (62) "Should've Been a Cowboy" for all his contributions to country music. He hit the big time with "How Do You Like Me Now?" and continued his success with "Beer for My Horses." Give a toast to Toby Keith as he sings, “Santa, I'm Right Here.”
Mojo Nixon (66) was the psychobilly musician known for his novelty song, "Elvis Is Everywhere," the alternative staple on MTV. Come on, let’s jam, it’s “Christmas, Christmas.”
Singer-songwriter Randy Sparks (90) and The New Christy Minstrels were famous for folk songs as "Green, Green," "Today," and "This Land Is Your Land." Take a trip back to 1963 as we decorate “Christmas Trees” with the New Christy Minstrels.
Vitalij Kuprij (49) is best-known as the keyboardist for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, famous for their elaborate concerts with a full symphony and laser light shows. Check out Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Wish Liszt.”
If you remember Hee Haw on TV, you may remember Roni Stoneman (85). But before that, she played banjo in one of the most famous family groups of early country music. Let’s listen to the family celebrating “A Stoneman Christmas” from 1968.
Steely Dan fans will recall the keyboards of Jim Beard (63). Their reverberating sound was built on soul, jazz, pop and rock, but Beard was familiar with everything from funk to classical. You may enjoy his version of “We Three Kings.”
Singer, comedian, and actor, Steve Lawrence (88) is remembered for his half of the pop duo with his wife Eydie Gormé. Lawrence had hits with "Party Doll," "Pretty Blue Eyes," and "Go Away Little Girl." Here are Steve and Eydie wishing you a “Happy Holiday.”
Rock guitarist Paul Nelson (63) performed with Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Allman Brothers Band, Johnny Winter, and countless others. If you like the blues, you’re going to love his version of “Christmas Tears.”
Eric Carmen (74) was the rhythm guitar, piano, bass, and lead vocalist for the Raspberries. The band was an "Overnight Sensation" before Carmen became a solo star "All by Myself." Let’s celebrate a “Brand New Year” with Eric Carmen.
English folkie and percussionist, Gerry Conway (76) played drums for Cat Stevens, Jethro Tull, Pentangle, and Fairport Convention. It is a “Good Time for a Fiddle and Bow,” time for “The Christmas Eve Reel” with Fairport Convention.
Dickey Betts (80) was the writer and vocalist on the Allman Brothers' hit single "Ramblin' Man" and played guitar with the band he co-founded from 1969-2000. Give a listen to the Allman Brothers’ obscure instrumental from their Filmore days, “Joy to the World.”
Mike Pinder (82) was the founder and the last surviving member of the Moody Blues. His technological contributions to rock assured him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Enjoy some “December Snow” with the Moody Blues.
The twangy guitar of "Rebel-Rouser" Duane Eddy (86) influenced everyone from George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen to Marty Stuart. Even the Blues Brothers covered Eddy’s version of "Peter Gunn." Let’s have a “Rockabilly Holiday.”
Kinky Friedman (79) was a “Solid American” famous for his bawdy ballads. He carried on the great American tradition of satire begun by Mark Twain and Will Rogers. Listen to Kinky share his “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis.”
Joe Bonsall (76) was the tenor vocalist of the Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years. Originally gospel, the Oak Ridge Boys went country in the mid-1970s, about the time Bonsall joined the group. Do you remember “Christmas Carol” from 1982?
Duke Fakir (88) was the Four Tops’ last surviving original singer. The Motown Sound he helped establish brought a pop-friendly soul to black and white audiences around the globe. The Four Tops hope you “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
Singer, guitarist, and keyboardist, John Mayall (90) brought the blues from the British Isles back to America. The list of musicians in his Blues Breakers roster (Eric Clapton, Larry Taylor, Mick Fleetwood, Harvey Mandel…) approaches infinity. Take a trip back to “Christmas 71.”
“When the Music Starts” with a “Breakup Song,” you know you’ll be in “Jeopardy” unless you’re a “Happy Man” like Greg Kihn (75). Here is Greg Kihn with his story of “The Christmas Song.”
Sérgio Mendes (83) and Brasil ’66 brought with the bossa nova beat to the world with. “The Look of Love” and “Night & Day.” Let’s get some “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” with Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66.
Tito Jackson (70) formed the Jackson Five 60 years ago with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. No other group of African American performers attained such a crossover following. Listen, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."
Kris Kristofferson (88) was a Rhodes Scholar, a helicopter pilot in the army, and a floor-sweeper at Columbia Records in Nashville before rising to superstar status. Here's Kristofferson with a few friends singing "Christmas Times a Coming."
Quincy Jones (91) was a record producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter, and bandleader. From Leslie Gore, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson, Jones' repertoire earned almost every honor there is. Say "Hallelujah," it's Quincy Jones.
A few stars who passed this year did not record any holiday hits; nonetheless they should be remembered. Mary Weiss (75) and the Shangri-Laws were the "Leader of the Pack" of 1960s hit records. Is that reindeer I hear? No, it’s the Shangri-Las singing about those “Footsteps on the Roof.”
Clarence "Frogman" Henry (87) is thankful he’s not like the lonely frog this holiday who “Ain't Got No Home.” Billy Edd Wheeler (91) wrote songs for Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, and 160 other stars. Take a walk with him under a "Winter Sky."
The songs of J.D. Souther (78) were covered by Linda Ronstadt, Eagles, James Taylor, and countless others. He sends the “Best of My Love” for the holidays. Phil Lesh (84) played bass throughout Grateful Dead's 30-year career. Maybe you’ll find a “Box of Rain” for Christmas.
Thank you for joining me for this Christmas compilation from country and Cajun, pop and jazz, rock & roll to soul, and novelty hits to orchestral arrangements. I hope your holidays are warm and bright.
