Since I wrote two novels set in the 1940s (Cinderella’s Dress and Cinderella’s Shoes) I was curious about what Christmas music my characters would have been listening to back then. Turns out, they were listening to many of the same songs we are now.
My novels end in 1947, which takes us up to Merry Christmas Baby and Here Comes Santa Claus. (Note: Double check the dates if you want true accuracy. Some sites mentioned the year the song was written, or the year the song was first performed, or the year it became popular.) Blue Christmas might surprise you since most people associate it with Elvis, not the 1940s.
“White Christmas” (1942) Bing Crosby’s version is apparently the best-selling single of all time.
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (1943) Here’s another one made famous by Bing Crosby…and some modern guys singing it A Capella:
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1944)–Judy Garland in the movie “Meet me in St Lewis”
“All I Want for Christmas (is My Two Front Teeth)” (1944)
“Let It Snow” (1945) a hit for Vaughn Monroe
“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” (1946)
“Here Comes Santa Claus” (1947)
“Merry Christmas, Baby” (1947)–Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers
“Sleigh Ride” (1948) Instrumental piece.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (1948) from the movie “Neptune’s Daughter.” This video snip-it shows both versions of the song from the movie–in the second version, (another couple) it’s the girl trying to get the guy to stay!
“Mele Kalikimaka” (1949)
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” (1949)
“Blue Christmas” (1949) a hit for Ernest Tubb.
