Here's classic Christmas music to bop to — with local ties

19:49

December 13, 2021

Sleigh races on Salem Street in Medford, thought to have inspired Pierpont's "Jingle Bells," circa 1883. (Courtesy of the Medford Historical Society)

There's something about classic Christmas songs that stick in your head, the combination of the melodies and lyrics resting in your memory for years and years.

And did you know that some of the most well-known tunes have New England ties?

We take your calls on what makes a Christmas song stick with Joe Bennett, professor and musicologist at Berklee School of Music.

Here's a playlist of all songs played during this segment:

"Jingle Bells" by Ella Fitzgerald, off the 1960 album, "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas."
"Sleigh Ride" by the Ronettes off 1963 record "A Christmas Gift to You."
"Over the River and Through the Woods" by Alvin and the Chipmunks from 1961 album "Christmas with the Chipmunks."
"Silver Bells" from "The Doris Day Christmas Album," 1964; "Elvis sings the Wonderful World of Christmas," 1971; and Sharon Jones and the Dapkings with "It's a Holiday Soul Party," 2015.
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from Frank Sinatra's 1966 album, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"; Judy Garland from the 1944 movie "Meet Me in Saint Louis"; Bing Crosby's from 1962 album, "I Wish You a Merry Christmas"; and Perry Como's 1968 album, "The Perry Como Christmas Album."
"Merry Christmas" by Ed Sheeran and Elton John, released as single in 2021.
"All I Want For Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey, from 1984 album, "Merry Christmas."
"White Wine in the Sun" by Tim Minchin from 2009 comedy, music album "Ready for This?"
"Last Christmas" by Wham! from 1984 album "Last Christmas."

This segment aired on December 13, 2021.