Christmas music

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)

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.

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

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album of Christmas music by Mel Torme. Torme wrote the classic, The Christmas Song, and he tries to repeat his success with this album.

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 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.

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)

Rock historian Ed Ward shares his pained memories of enduring bad holiday songs year after year. (Rebroadcast)

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)

Rock historian Ed Ward shares some of the worst holiday music from the past few decades.