Christmas Time Is Here

Year: 1965

Written By: Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson

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It may not have the traction that it has in the United States but most people that celebrate Christmas around the world will at least have heard of 'Christmas Time Is Here' from the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. It is a decidely downbeat tune but then the character it was written for wasn't exactly the most excitable of sorts. The way it is embraced is probably down as much to the thirst for nostalgia as those recognisable piano keys throughout.

'Christmas Time Is Here' has been recorded and performed by innumerable artists since the original in 1965. The most official version came courtesy of soul singer Brian McKnight who recorded it for the 40^th anniversary of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' in 2005. The singer also recorded a completely different song of the same name a couple of Christmases later for his 'Bethlehem' album. Tony Bennett got into the act in 2008, backed by the Count Basie band, for a swingin' version of the old chestnut which was taken from his first Christmas album in 40 years. Barry Manilow was similiarly inclined for his faithful version included on 'In The Swing of Christmas' album in 2007. Mariah Carey performed 'Christmas Time Is Here' on US TV channel NBC in December 20100, which included images of Charlie Brown during the performance.

There are numerous other songs by a wide range of artists (and animals!) called 'Christmas Time Is Here'. You can listen to many of them in the videos below but our favourites come from Alvin & The Chipmunks (for a song that is also called the 'The Chipmunks Song (Christmas Don't Be Late') who recorded their version way back in 1959. Mr. Ghostbusters 1980's star Ray Parker Jr. recorded a sweet 'Christmas Time Is Here' in 1993 and it sounds quite contemporary to this day.