It might sound like the start of a joke: What happens when Jewish songwriters pen Christmas tunes? The answer is surprisingly festive—and wildly successful! While Jewish people may not be decking the halls or roasting chestnuts on an open fire, some of the most iconic Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers. Why? Let’s be honest: we’re great at storytelling, good at tugging heartstrings, and if there’s a Broadway vibe to be added, we’re already ahead of the game.
So, as you hum along to these holiday classics, remember that they’ve got a little Jewish chutzpah behind them. Here’s our light-hearted roundup of the top 10 Christmas songs brought to you by some of the most talented members of the Tribe.
1. White Christmas
- Composer: Irving Berlin
- About the Author: Born Israel Beilin in Russia, Irving Berlin immigrated to the U.S. as a child and became one of America’s greatest songwriters.
- Interesting Fact: “White Christmas,” performed by Bing Crosby, is the best-selling single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Berlin himself didn’t celebrate Christmas, but he wrote the song as a nostalgic reflection on the holiday season.
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Composer: Johnny Marks
- About the Author: Marks was a prolific Jewish songwriter who specialized in holiday music. He also happened to be the brother-in-law of Robert L. May, who created the story of Rudolph.
- Interesting Fact: Marks turned his brother-in-law’s story into a song that became a hit for Gene Autry in 1949. Despite writing many Christmas songs, Marks never celebrated the holiday himself.
3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
- Composer: Sammy Cahn (lyrics) and Jule Styne (music)
- About the Authors: Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne were Jewish songwriters who collaborated on numerous hits. Cahn was a lyricist known for his witty wordplay, while Styne composed countless show tunes.
- Interesting Fact: Written during a heatwave in 1945, the song’s cheerful embrace of winter weather was pure escapism for the composers.
4. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
- Composer: Mel Tormé and Robert Wells
- About the Authors: Tormé, known as “The Velvet Fog,” was a renowned Jewish jazz musician and singer, while Wells was his frequent collaborator.
- Interesting Fact: Tormé and Wells wrote the song on a scorching summer day in 1945, intending to “stay cool by thinking cool.” The song remains a holiday standard.
5. Silver Bells
- Composer: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
- About the Authors: Livingston and Evans were a Jewish songwriting duo responsible for several hit songs and movie soundtracks.
- Interesting Fact: Originally titled “Tinkle Bells,” the name was changed after Livingston’s wife pointed out the word’s unintended connotation. The song debuted in the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid.
6. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
- Composer: Edward Pola (lyrics) and George Wyle (music)
- About the Authors: George Wyle, born Bernard Weissman, was a Jewish composer and music director. Edward Pola was his writing partner.
- Interesting Fact: Written for The Andy Williams Show in 1963, the song quickly became a holiday favorite thanks to Williams’ iconic performance.
7. A Holly Jolly Christmas
- Composer: Johnny Marks
- About the Author: In addition to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Marks also wrote this cheerful Christmas classic.
- Interesting Fact: Burl Ives’ version of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” gained fame after being featured in the 1964 stop-motion TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
8. Santa Baby
- Composer: Joan Javits and Philip Springer
- About the Authors: Joan Javits, a Jewish lyricist, teamed up with Philip Springer, a Jewish composer, to create this sultry holiday tune. Javits was the niece of U.S. Senator Jacob Javits.
- Interesting Fact: Eartha Kitt’s original 1953 recording of the song caused a stir with its playful and provocative tone, making it a unique addition to the holiday music canon.
9. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
- Composer: Walter Kent (music) and Buck Ram (lyrics)
- About the Authors: Walter Kent, born Walter Maurice Kaufman, was a Jewish composer. Buck Ram, also Jewish, wrote the poignant lyrics.
- Interesting Fact: First recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943, the song resonated deeply with soldiers and families separated during World War II.
10. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
- Composer: Johnny Marks
- About the Author: Marks strikes again with this lively Christmas classic, showcasing his versatility in creating holiday hits.
- Interesting Fact: First recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958, the song’s popularity grew slowly but is now a staple of holiday playlists.
So there you have it, folks: a testament to how Jewish creativity has shaped the soundscape of Christmas. While we may not be the ones hanging stockings or trimming trees, we certainly know how to write a catchy tune that captures the holiday spirit.
The next time you’re sipping eggnog (or a hot cup of tea) and humming along to these songs, give a nod to the Jewish songwriters who helped define the season. After all, it’s a reminder that great music, like great stories, transcends boundaries—and we’re pretty good at both. L’chaim to that!