Released August 1964 Producer Sonny Burke | Release date August 1964 Label INDEPENDENT | |
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Recorded June 16–19, 1964, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California 12 Songs of Christmas
(1964) Softly, as I Leave You (1964) 12 Songs of Christmas
(1964) That Travelin' Two-Beat
(1964) Artists Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Waring's Pennsylvanians Genres Christmas music, Traditional pop music, Vocal jazz Similar Frank Sinatra albums, Traditional pop music albums | ||
12 Songs of Christmas is a 1964 studio album by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians.
Contents
All of the songs were included on CD as part of the 2-CD set Nothing but the Best (Limited Christmas Edition) issued in 2009.
Reception
In the USA, Variety received the album favorably. "This is an attractive compilation of seasonal standards delivered in standout style by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, singly and in tandem, with the polished support of Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians. Among the top sides in this set are "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "The Little Drummer Boy," "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and "The 12 Days of Christmas."
Gramophone in the UK was not so keen, commenting: “12 Songs of Christmas,” with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians (Reprise R2022). Plenty of expensive talent crammed uncomfortably into a small, well-worn stocking. Obvious, pallid stuff, with the two head groaners actually together on only two tracks, and neither of them anywhere in particularly good voice. Collectors of sheer corn may take a perverse delight in an item called “We Wish You the Merriest."
Personnel
Songs
1White Christmas3:54
2It's Christmas Time Again2:49
3Go Tell It On the Mountain3:28