The best in...
HOLIDAY
JAZZ!
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In America, Christmas music came into its own after the Great Depression—which also brought the era of big band jazz. In fact—as many have attested—the joy and swing of jazz helped to relieve depression. Since the 1930s, memorable upbeat Christmas tunes have become more popular (secular) than religious. They bring good spirit no matter what spirit you worship. They bring community.
Jazz music, too, derives from community. In early New Orleans, dance raged with popularity. Why? The city, a major world port, brought in nationalities from many nations. They could not speak each other’s tongues, but they could dance together. And dance brought the music. 
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Another irony is that in the beginning, jazz music was looked at as “low-down” music—from the red light districts, the barrelhouses, and the late night joints where musicians might play until dawn. But it was in that separate, liminal culture where the music could grow without answering to the money men. It’s where musicians felt free to be themselves. 
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Consequently, some of our most famous players grew up in “questionable” backgrounds. Frank Sinatra, who never learned to read music, was the child of an illiterate Sicilian prizefighter. Dean Martin delivered bootleg liquor and worked as a blackjack dealer. Louis Armstrong grew up in one of the nation’s worst ghettos.
But the music was what carried them through into success and freedom. In this lively and lovely holiday presentation, you will indeed hear the Christmas jazz of Sinatra and Martin—as well as Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, the Andrews sisters, and many others. "SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN!" 
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♬ LISTEN: Louis Armstrong, "White Christmas"
"White Christmas"
Beginning around 1915, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong began a 55-year career in the “cause of happiness.” When he sang, you could hear the smile in his voice. When he played his horn, the same brilliance came through. So it is perfect that he recorded this Christmas classic—for the happiest time of the year!
"White Christmas"
Beginning around 1915, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong began a 55-year career in the “cause of happiness.” When he sang, you could hear the smile in his voice. When he played his horn, the same brilliance came through. So it is perfect that he recorded this Christmas classic—for the happiest time of the year!