Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights

A Cultural History of American Christmas Songs

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Holidays, Entertainment, Music, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights by Ronald D. Lankford, University Press of Florida
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ronald D. Lankford ISBN: 9780813047829
Publisher: University Press of Florida Publication: October 1, 2013
Imprint: University Press of Florida Language: English
Author: Ronald D. Lankford
ISBN: 9780813047829
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Publication: October 1, 2013
Imprint: University Press of Florida
Language: English

When Bing Crosby’s "White Christmas" debuted in 1942, no one imagined that a holiday song would top the charts year after year. One of the best-selling singles ever released, it remains on rotation at tree lighting ceremonies across the country, in crowded shopping malls on Black Friday, and at warm diners on lonely Christmas Eve nights. Over the years, other favorites have been added to America’s annual playlist, including Elvis Presley’s "Blue Christmas," the King Cole Trio’s "The Christmas Song," Gene Autry’s "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Willie Nelson’s "Pretty Paper," and, of course, Elmo & Patsy’s "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Viewing American holiday values through the filter of familiar Christmas songs, Ronald Lankford examines popular culture, consumerism, and the dynamics of the traditional American family. He surveys more than seventy-five years of songs and reveals that the “modern American Christmas” has carried a complex and sometimes contradictory set of meanings. Interpreting tunes against the backdrop of the eras in which they were first released, he identifies the repeated themes of nostalgia, commerce, holiday blues, carnival, and travesty that underscore so much beloved music. This first full-length analysis of the lyrics, images, and commercial forces inextricably linked to Yuletide music hits the heart of what many Americans think Christmas is--or should be.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When Bing Crosby’s "White Christmas" debuted in 1942, no one imagined that a holiday song would top the charts year after year. One of the best-selling singles ever released, it remains on rotation at tree lighting ceremonies across the country, in crowded shopping malls on Black Friday, and at warm diners on lonely Christmas Eve nights. Over the years, other favorites have been added to America’s annual playlist, including Elvis Presley’s "Blue Christmas," the King Cole Trio’s "The Christmas Song," Gene Autry’s "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Willie Nelson’s "Pretty Paper," and, of course, Elmo & Patsy’s "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Viewing American holiday values through the filter of familiar Christmas songs, Ronald Lankford examines popular culture, consumerism, and the dynamics of the traditional American family. He surveys more than seventy-five years of songs and reveals that the “modern American Christmas” has carried a complex and sometimes contradictory set of meanings. Interpreting tunes against the backdrop of the eras in which they were first released, he identifies the repeated themes of nostalgia, commerce, holiday blues, carnival, and travesty that underscore so much beloved music. This first full-length analysis of the lyrics, images, and commercial forces inextricably linked to Yuletide music hits the heart of what many Americans think Christmas is--or should be.

More books from University Press of Florida

Cover of the book Links by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book A New Orleans Voudou Priestess by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Apalachee by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Category 5 by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Serials to Graphic Novels by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book The Axe Is Ready by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Madame Lalaurie, Mistress of the Haunted House by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book From Yellow Dog Democrats to Red State Republicans by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Don't Do That by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Gladesmen by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book The Florida Manatee by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book The Great Florida Craft Beer Guide by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book The History of Florida by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Florida Soul by Ronald D. Lankford
Cover of the book Home Front by Ronald D. Lankford
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy