The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of the most iconic retro Christmas album covers of all time? From the swingin' sounds of Bing Crosby to the soulful stylings of Aretha Franklin, these vintage albums are sure to bring a smile to your face and a twinkle to your eye.
Whether you're a fan of classic crooners, nostalgic novelties, or timeless traditions, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather 'round the tree, and get ready to deck the halls with these 20 retro Christmas album covers that are sure to make your holiday season merry and bright.
The Classics
No retro Christmas album list would be complete without the incomparable Bing Crosby. With his smooth, velvety voice and charming demeanor, Crosby is the epitome of holiday cheer. His 1942 album "Merry Christmas" is a timeless classic, featuring the iconic duet "White Christmas" with the Andrews Sisters.
Other Classic Christmas Albums
- Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" (1960)
- Frank Sinatra's "A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra" (1957)
- Nat King Cole's "The Magic of Christmas" (1960)
Vintage Vocalists
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, brings her signature style to the holiday season with her 1964 album "This Christmas". Featuring soulful renditions of classic carols and original compositions, this album is a must-listen for any music lover.
Other Vintage Vocalists
- Andy Williams' "The Andy Williams Christmas Album" (1963)
- Dean Martin's "A Winter Romance" (1959)
- Doris Day's "The Doris Day Christmas Album" (1964)
Retro Rock and Roll
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, gets into the holiday spirit with his 1957 album "Elvis' Christmas Album". Featuring a mix of traditional carols and original compositions, this album is a fun and festive addition to any holiday playlist.
Other Retro Rock and Roll
- The Beach Boys' "The Beach Boys' Christmas Album" (1964)
- The Ronettes' "A Christmas Gift for You" (1963)
- The Supremes' "Merry Christmas" (1965)
Nostalgic Novelties
Sometimes, the best holiday albums are the ones that are a little bit quirky and a lot of fun. Case in point: Spike Jones' 1948 album "Christmas Party", featuring wacky renditions of classic carols and hilarious novelty songs.
Other Nostalgic Novelties
- Allan Sherman's "Allan in Wonderland" (1964)
- Tom Lehrer's "More of Tom Lehrer" (1959)
- The Smothers Brothers' "Curb Your Tongue, Knave!" (1963)
Timeless Traditions
For a more traditional take on holiday music, look no further than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 1957 album "Christmas Carols". Featuring beautiful, harmony-rich renditions of classic carols, this album is a timeless treasure.
Other Timeless Traditions
- The Vienna Boys' Choir's "Christmas with the Vienna Boys' Choir" (1963)
- The New York Philharmonic's "A Holiday Festival" (1964)
- The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra's "Christmas Concert" (1958)
Modern Masters
For a more modern take on holiday music, look no further than John David Souther's 1976 album "Black Christmas". Featuring a mix of original compositions and clever covers, this album is a hidden gem of holiday music.
Other Modern Masters
- Linda Ronstadt's "A Merry Little Christmas" (1985)
- George Strait's "Merry Christmas Strait to You" (1989)
- k.d. lang's "A Winter's Tale" (1997)
Now that you've seen these 20 retro Christmas album covers, we hope you're feeling merry and bright! Whether you're a fan of classic crooners, nostalgic novelties, or timeless traditions, there's something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to deck the halls with these retro Christmas albums.
What is the most popular Christmas album of all time?
+According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the best-selling Christmas album of all time is Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas", with estimated sales of over 15 million copies worldwide.
Which artist has released the most Christmas albums?
+According to various sources, including the Guinness Book of World Records, Barbra Streisand has released the most Christmas albums, with a total of six holiday albums to her credit.
What is the oldest Christmas album on this list?
+The oldest Christmas album on this list is Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas", which was released in 1942.