Let The Bells Ring!

When a group of elementary school teachers in Ottawa, Ontario decided to change the lyrics to “Silver Bells” for a sing-a-long concert some parents grew downright fervourous. According to a report from CBC News they were planning to replace the phrase “Christmas day” with “a festive day” until the parents voiced concern.

I really don’t see what all the fuss is about and frankly I don’t think Ray Evans, who wrote the lyrics, would have cared for this either. Though Ray Evans joined his writing partner Jay Livingston in the great beyond earlier this year we still have access to this telling feature, produced by NPR back in 2005, all about Evans and his role in the origin of "Silver Bells."

The song debuted in 1951 in this scene from a Bob Hope holiday film entitled The Lemon Drop Kid.

Bing Crosby recorded a version for radio-play shortly thereafter and a long list of entertainers followed suit. The song has since been recorded and performed countless times. It has sold over 500 million copies and it has undergone almost as many re-arrangements and re-interpretations.

So I find it hard to imagine why anyone would take offense if the school kids had performed their modified version. Alas, in the end, they decided to drop the song from their program altogether.

In lieu of their performance I plundered my own collection of Christmas albums for different versions of the song and then spent yesterday afternoon browsing the Salvation Army record bins before enlisting the aid of Conor, young nephew to my neighbour Alice. He managed to find digital copies of some of my old favourites plus a few additions of his own and many more that neither of us had ever heard before.

This morning we pared our collection down and arranged for you this rather eclectic playlist.

Merry Christmas from Nelson & Nelson Antiques!

Silver Bells by The Ventures:

Silver Bells by The Heritage Hall Jazz Band:

Silver Bells by Twisted Sister:

Silver Bells by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band:

Silver Bells by Jacob Miller:

Comments

[William Frohock]

How nice of your neighbors nefew to help you in your quest to find these recordings. The version by The Heritahçge Hall Jazz Band is exceptional.

[Lauren Willoughby]

Thank you kindly for the feedback, William. The Heritage Hall Jazz Band is one of my all time favourites. That song was taken from an album called “Christmas With The Heritage Hall Jazz Band.” Do check it out.

As for Conor, he told me that he’s actually an aspiring record reviewer so you’re bound to hear more from him in the future. We had a blast putting this piece together! He’s a great sport.

Merry Christmas, Conor!

Merry Christmas to you too, William!

Listen to me. I’m gushing.

It’s our first comment!