There was Bing and Nat the King and a bunch of wannabes. Nobody could make Chrismas come alive in a song like those twin wonders. First was Bing the groaning king setting the standard and then Nat King Cole jumped over that 100 foot high bar. Simple, relaxed and smooth as the velvet cloth on a holiday table. There will never be another to surpass Nat King Cole. Now and forever.
It's simply criminal how great this man was. As relaxed and smooth a singer as ever opened his throat in song. This song is his opus, his fifth symphony. Not even Bing Crosby could render a song in such a timeless manner. Most Christmas songs are relevant only during the holiday season, but this is a song for all seasons. You could hear this song in the middle of July and feel a warmth hotter than the summer sun. Nat King Cole transcended the art of singing a song until you associate the art with him alone. Any list of the greatest song stylists should start with him and go from there.
As sung by Nat Cole, this song has been played at my house every Christmas morning, ever since my children were tots. They are now 47 and 45. There will never be another like Nat King Cole.
