The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some classic Christmas tunes? While many of us may be familiar with the likes of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, there are many other talented artists who have made significant contributions to the world of Christmas music. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 famous Christmas artists you need to know.
From crooners to country stars, and from rockers to rappers, we'll explore the diverse range of artists who have helped shape the sound of Christmas. Whether you're a fan of traditional carols or modern holiday hits, there's something on this list for everyone. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy by the fire, and let's dive into the world of Christmas music.
The Classics: Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra
No discussion of Christmas music would be complete without mentioning two of the most iconic voices of the holiday season: Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Bing Crosby's smooth, velvety voice has been a staple of Christmas playlists for generations, with classics like "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" remaining popular to this day. Frank Sinatra, meanwhile, brought a swinging, jazzy vibe to the holiday season with songs like "Jingle Bells" and "Winter Wonderland".
Dean Martin: The King of Cool Christmas
Another member of the Rat Pack, Dean Martin was known for his smooth, laid-back style, which was perfectly suited to the holiday season. With songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman", Martin's Christmas music is the epitome of cool.
Country Christmas: Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash
Country music has a rich tradition of Christmas music, and two of the genre's most iconic artists have made significant contributions to the holiday canon.
Dolly Parton's "Hard Candy Christmas" is a modern classic, while Johnny Cash's "Christmas in the Trenches" is a poignant and powerful tale of holiday spirit in the midst of war.
Elvis Presley: The King of Rock 'n' Roll Christmas
Elvis Presley's Christmas music is a unique blend of rockabilly, gospel, and traditional carols. With songs like "Blue Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Back in Town", the King's holiday music is a must-listen for fans of rock 'n' roll.
Modern Christmas: Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé
In recent years, two artists have dominated the holiday music landscape: Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé.
Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a modern classic, while Michael Bublé's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" is a festive and fun holiday tune.
Whitney Houston: A Soulful Christmas
Whitney Houston's voice was one of the most powerful and soulful of all time, and her Christmas music is no exception. With songs like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Joy to the World", Houston's holiday music is a must-listen for fans of soul and R&B.
Rap and Hip-Hop Christmas: Kanye West and Snoop Dogg
In recent years, rap and hip-hop artists have made significant contributions to the world of Christmas music.
Kanye West's "Christmas in Harlem" is a modern holiday classic, while Snoop Dogg's "Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto" is a fun and funky holiday tune.
Josh Groban: A Classical Christmas
Josh Groban's powerful, classical voice is perfectly suited to the holiday season. With songs like "Believe" and "The Christmas Song", Groban's Christmas music is a must-listen for fans of classical and pop.
As we come to the end of our list, we hope you've discovered some new and exciting Christmas artists to add to your holiday playlist. Whether you're a fan of classic crooners or modern pop stars, there's something on this list for everyone. So, go ahead, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get into the holiday spirit!
What is the most popular Christmas song of all time?
+According to various sources, including the Guinness Book of World Records, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is the best-selling Christmas song of all time, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies worldwide.
Who is the most successful Christmas artist of all time?
+According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Mariah Carey is the best-selling Christmas artist of all time, with over 16 million Christmas albums sold in the United States alone.
What is the oldest Christmas song?
+The oldest known Christmas song is "Jesus Refulsit Omnium Gentium" (Jesus, Light of All Nations), which was written in the 4th century by St. Hilary of Poitiers.