During the holidays, I like to listen to Christmas songs. Also, at this time of year I reflect on the stars who recently passed away. Here are some wintertime tunes from some of the musicians who died in 2025 (age of death in parenthesis).
Wayne Osmond (74) headed up the Osmond Brothers, famous for teenybopper tunes in the 70s like “One Bad Apple.” Let’s listen to some yuletide carols starting with “The Christmas Song” by the Osmonds.
Peter Yarrow (86) was a third of the folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, famous for “500 Miles,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and a hundred other hits. Come, lets “Light One Candle” as we remember Peter Yarrow.
Country music star Melba Montgomery (86) was known for her duets with stars like George Jones and Gene Pitney, but most will remember “No Charge,” the invoice to her son about the things she's done for him. Her “Christmas Tree” will sweeten your season.
Jesse Colin Young (83) formed the Youngbloods in 1960 but it was 1969 before they had their smash hit, "Everybody Get Together." Here is a Young version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
If you remember “21st Century Schizoid Man,” you may remember Jamie Muir (79), drummer for the experimental, experiential, electronic band, King Crimson. Here is a version of “Silent Night” you may not have heard.
Soul singer and songwriter Jerry Butler (85) had more than 55 R&B hits including “Only the Strong Survive.” He returns to his gospel roots with “O Holy Night,” a song sure to leave an ‘Impression’ on you.
Chris Jasper (73) was another soul brother who died this year. His band, the Isley Brothers had monster hits such as “Shout” and “It’s Your Thing.” Here is their “Special Gift” for you.
Another 2025 casualty to Soul Music was the death of Roberta Flack (88). "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song" are just some of the songs that earned her the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Listen, I think you will remember “The 25th of Last December.”
If you remember “Tuesday Afternoon” or “Nights in White Satin,” you may remember Rod Clark who replaced bass guitarist John Lodge (both 82) in The Moody Blues. May you have “The Spirit of Christmas” all year long.
“Poetry in Motion” was perhaps the biggest hit for Johnny Tillotson (86) but he had eight other top-ten hits on the pop, country, and adult contemporary Billboard charts in the 1960s. Here he brings us “Christmas Country Style.”
South Texan Johnny Rodriguez (73) asked that you don’t "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)" while he was "Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico" but "That's the Way Love Goes." It’s December from Texas to Tennessee, “So This is Christmas.”
“I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” but I remember James Lowe (82), lead singer for the Electric Prunes, the preeminent psychedelic rock band of the 1960s. Enjoy their fuzz-toned guitars in this electronic version of “Jingle Bells.”
Back in 1965, “Hang on Sloopy” played on the radio about five times every hour. Rick Derringer (77), lead singer for the McCoys, had hits with “Fever” and “Come On Let’s Go” before branching out on his own. Here’s his “Christmas Valentine” for you.
Brian Wilson (82) rode the waves with the Beach Boys with “Surf City,” “Surfer Girl,” and “Surfin’ Safari.” The Beach Boys' Christmas Album remains a classic. Let Brian tell you “What I Really Want for Christmas.”
Another 60’s phenomena were the “Lightnin’ Strikes” of Lou Christie (82). His “Rhapsody in the Rain” was pretty explicit; it was banned by many radio stations. Here Lou sings what it’s like to have “Christmas in New York.”
Ron Woodbridge (84) brought the Merseybeat sound of The Searchers to the world with “Needles and Pins” and “Hippy Hippy Shake.” Here are The Searchers with “The Happiest Christmas of All.”
Before the British Invasion, Connie Francis (87) was the most popular female vocalist in the U.S. with hits like “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool." Wait for me Connie; “I'll Be Home for Christmas.”
Frank Maffei (85) was “At the Hop” in 1957 with Danny & the Juniors. It’s true, "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay." Just listen to “Candy Cane, Sugary Plum.” Teen idol Bobby Sherman (81) enthralled the hearts of every “Little Woman” in America in 1969. He followed it up with “Jingle Bell Rock” in 1970.
Garth Hudson (87) was the last surviving member of the Band, famous for “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag.” Listen to the Band, because “Christmas Must be Tonight.” Gospel singer and televangelist, Jimmy Swaggart (90) was a cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. Before his fall from grace, he used to “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”
Comedian Tom Lehrer (97) took a break from “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” to sing us “A Christmas Carol.” Mark Volman (78) was “Happy Together” with the Turtles. He explains why “Christmas Is My Time of Year.”
Texas troubadour Joe Ely (78) personified the Lubbock sound with “Gallo Del Cielo,” “Dallas,” and “All Just to Get to You.” Here he is with “Winterlude.” Another Americana star was Raul Malo (60), lead singer and guitarist for the Mavericks. You may think “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” but listen to his “Marshmallow World.”
These are just some of the musicians who died this past year; the ones who recorded holiday tunes. Come back next week as we close out the year with songs by other late, great stars of 2025. Find the complete list in Wikipedia.
