Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer [LP]

by Burl Ives

Overview

The Rankin/Bass animagic film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared on December 6, 1964. Since then, it has become the longest-running of all holiday TV specials (with, we hope, no end in sight). It's fitting that the grandfather of all Christmas specials features Burl Ives, still remembered warmly by millions as the voice behind the film's narrator, Sam the Snowman. Although this soundtrack bears his name, Ives appears only on a handful of songs: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Holly Jolly Christmas," and "Silver and Gold." The remaining vocals are handled by various cast members: "Jingle Jingle Jingle" features Stan Francis as Santa; "We're a Couple of Misfits" is sung by Billie Mae Richards (the voice of Rudolph) and Paul Soles (the voice of Hermie); "There's Always Tomorrow" is immortalized by Janet Orenstein (as Clarice), and a chorus shares "The Most Wonderful Day of the Year." The real musical genius behind the movie is Johnny Marks, a songwriter who had earlier written the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as well as holiday favorites like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (which is featured in a medley here). His songs, in the hands of musical director Maury Laws, simply sparkle with Christmas magic. The second half of the soundtrack features instrumental versions of the songs, featuring the Decca Concert Orchestra conducted by Herbert Rehbein. The instrumentals keep the holiday spirit flowing, but it's the equivalent of a long musical intermission (in other words, you'll probably find yourself straightening out candy canes on the tree before long). Few soundtracks hold as many happy memories or contain as much Christmas spirit as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Hardcore fans (who number more than a few) can also purchase the film in DVD format or check out a book from Rick Goldschmit that chronicles the making of the film (with lots of fascinating facts about the film's history). ~ Dave Connolly

Product Details

Release Date:	09/30/2014
Label:	Geffen
UPC:	0602537955121

Tracks

1. Overture and a Holly Jolly Christmas
2. Jingle Jingle Jingle
3. We Are Santa's Elves
4. There's Always Tomorrow
5. We're a Couple of Misfits
6. Silver and Gold
7. The Most Wonderful Day of the Year
8. A Holly Jolly Christmas
9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
10. Christmas Medley: The Night Before Christmas Song/A Merry Merry Christmas/When Santa Clause Gets Your Letter
11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
12. There's Always Tomorrow
13. Jingle Jingle Jingle
14. We're a Couple of Misfits
15. Silver and Gold
16. We Are Santa's Elves
17. The Most Wonderful Day of the Year
18. A Holly Jolly Christmas
19. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Burl Ives   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Stan Francis   Primary Artist
Paul Soles   Primary Artist
Billie Richards   Primary Artist
Janet Orenstein   Primary Artist,Primary Artist
Decca Concert Orchestra   Primary Artist,Ensemble,Orchestra
Videocraft Chorus   Primary Artist
Videocraft Orchestra   Primary Artist,Ensemble
Vidocraft Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
Herbert Rehbein   Conductor
Maury Laws   Conductor,Musical Director,Musical Direction

Technical Credits

Johnny Marks   Composer,Songwriter,Original Material
Diana B   Composer
Bruce Roberts   Composer
Herbert Rehbein   Composer
Caroline Prutzman   Art Direction
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow   Composer
Decca Concert Orchestra   Performer