Christmas music

Mel Torme talks about his vocal career, his approach to live performances, and writing the iconic "Christmas Song."

Peggy King returns to Fresh Air for a holiday concert featuring bassist David Finck and pianist and harpists Corky Hale.

Jazz singer McCorkle returns to Fresh Air with pianist Lee Musiker and Dean Johnson for a special, in-studio Christmas concert.

A live concert featuring singer Susannah McCorkle. Stereo Review Magazine has called McCorkle "the finest interpreter of sophisticated song." Her recordings have paid tribute to song writers like Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer and Leo Robbin. (Rebroadcast of December 23, 1988)

To get the bad taste of the previous segment out of our mouths, we play some great Christmas music from previous Fresh Air concerts.

Rock musician Vaughn as been a cult staple for years in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area, where he's become known for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and tunes that draw from rocks early influences. He'll perform some of his favorite Christmas songs with bandmates Gus Cordovox on accordion and Aldo Jones on bass. Afterward, he'll talk with Terry about his famous rock and roll holiday records.

Rock musician Ben Vaughn He's been a cult staple for years in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area, where he's become known for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and tunes that draw from rocks early influences. He's had several album; his fourth, "Dressed in Black," was released in 1990. He's got a new one that is basically his own greatest hits. In this first half hour, Vaughn will play some of his favorite Christmas recordings from a variety of music influences. (Rebroadcast of 12/24/1992)

We play some great Christmas music, from previous Fresh Air concerts. The segment includes Susannah McCorkle, Charles Brown singing "Merry Christmas Baby," and composers Martin and Blane telling the story behind their song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." (Rebroadcast)

In this segment we'll play some Christmas music, from previous Fresh Air concerts. The segment includes Susannah McCorkle, Charles Brown singing "Merry Christmas Baby," and composers Martin and Blane telling the story behind their song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." (Rebroadcast. Originally aired 12/24/90)

Apart from being the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen and playing mob guy Silvio on The Sopranos, Steven Van Zandt is also a radio DJ. We talk with Van Zandt about creating the music for the new movie Christmas with the Kranks.