Christmas music
Rock's History of Holiday Music
Rock historian Ed Ward says that, despite their rebellious spirit, rock musicians have long been recording Christmas songs. He emembers some classic and oddball examples.
A Cool Yule with Black Musicians.
Rock historian Ed Ward plays a retrospective of Santa Claus songs by black popular musicians from Charles Brown singing "Merry Christmas, Baby" in the 1940's to James Brown's "Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto" in the 1960's. Also features songs from: the Pilgrim Travelers, Roy Milton, Oscar McLollie and His Honey Jumpers, the Voices, the Marquees (not the Stax group), andClyde Lasley.
A History of Christmas Schlock
Rock historian Ed Ward plays some of the worst in Christmas music. He says it's almost enough to make him convert to another religion.
The Beatles' Puzzling Christmas Records
Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about a series of Christmas singles the Beatles made in the 60s. If you were a member of their fan club, you got one each year.
The Worst Christmas Music Inspires Holiday Dread
Rock historian Ed Ward shares his pained memories of enduring bad holiday songs year after year. (Rebroadcast)
A History of Christmas Schlock
Rock historian Ed Ward shares some of the worst holiday music from the past few decades.