Arts and Culture
by Ahsan Washington
These songs are a festive treat
Black artists have contributed to the most vital Christmas music of our time through soulful classics and energetic R&B holiday songs.
These songs are more than just soundtracks for the holidays. They create a musical tapestry of love, family, hope, joy and culture that continues to resonate through time. These songs are a festive treat that also embody togetherness.
“This Christmas”
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”
In 1994, Mariah Carey included the song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in her Merry Christmas album. The song has maintained its position as the top Christmas anthem through its continuous reign over holiday charts and playlists. The song established itself as the foremost contemporary Christmas song while creating substantial cultural and commercial influence.
“Christmas in Hollis”
The Queens, New York, hip-hop group Run-DMC released the holiday rap song “Christmas in Hollis” during 1987. The holiday rap track combines hip-hop elements with Christmas spirit to portray Hollis holiday celebrations in a lighthearted way. The song “Christmas in Hollis” debuted on Nov. 25, and has since become a holiday favorite that demonstrates its lasting popularity, as well as its distinct combination of hip-hop and seasonal joy.
“The Christmas Song”
Nat King Cole created the legendary Christmas tune “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” which stands as one of the most memorable holiday songs ever recorded. The song was written in 1944 and recorded two years later in 1946, before Nat King Cole released his definitive stereo version in 1961. The song has become an essential part of holiday radio broadcasts and family celebrations because of its everlasting warmth and vivid seasonal imagery which includes the delightful scent of chestnuts roasting and the cold touch of Jack Frost. The song’s eternal charm continues to attract listeners across different age groups which establishes it as a definitive holiday season standard.
“8 Days of Christmas”
“Give Love on Christmas Day”
“Sleigh Ride”
“No Time Like Christmas”
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Christmas music
Source: Black Enterprise
