Mel Tormé’s classic “The Christmas Song” was written in 1942 on a hot summer’s day with Bob Wells providing the cool lyrics. Actually Wells, who was suffering through the heat, was actually training his mind to “cool off.”
The Christmas Song” sprang to prominence when Nat King Cole first recorded it in 1946 but it was his 1961 re-recording in stereo that is the benchmark of all the versions of this popular, seasonal song. Popularly called “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” the imagery in the words makes it a seasonal favourite for those of all ages.
The 1961 Stereophonic Recording
- Recorded: Capitol Studios, New York City, March 30, 1961.
- Singers: Nat King Cole
- Harmony vocals: Charles Grean & Pete Rugolo
- Orchestration: Ralph Carmichael, orchestra conductor