Top 25 Holiday Songs

As the countdown to the Holidays begins and seasonal music fills the airwaves, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) – the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing over 330,000 music creators and copyright owners – announced its Top 25 most performed holiday songs for the past five years, based on performance data tracked by radio airplay monitoring service Mediaguide.

Marilyn Bergman, ASCAP President and Chairman, said: “More than anything else, music sets the mood for the Holidays, evoking the magic of the season and memories of Holidays past. These timeless classics have been recorded by artists in every genre, yet each song retains the original stamp of its creators.”

The Top 25 most performed ASCAP holiday songs of the past five years are listed below. Each song includes songwriter credits, and cites the most popular artist version played on radio.  You may also listen to the songs in the player at the end of this article.

Winter Wonderland
Written by: Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith
Performed by: Eurythmics

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Written by: Mel Tormé, Robert Wells
Performed by: Nat “King” Cole

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written by: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin
Performed by: The Pretenders

Sleigh Ride
Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish
Performed by: The Ronettes

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Written by: Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie
Performed by: Frank Sinatra

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
Performed by: Michael Bublé

White Christmas
Written by: Irving Berlin
Performed by: Bing Crosby

Jingle Bell Rock
Written by: Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe
Performed by: Bobby Helms

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Gene Autry

Little Drummer Boy
Written by: Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone
Performed by: The Harry Simeone Chorale & Orchestra

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Written by: Edward Pola, George Wyle
Performed by: Andy Williams

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Brenda Lee

Silver Bells
Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans
Performed by: Kenny G

I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Written by: Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram
Performed by: Amy Grant

Feliz Navidad
Written by: José Feliciano
Performed by: José Feliciano

Frosty The Snowman
Written by: Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins
Performed by: The Ronettes

A Holly Jolly Christmas
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Burl Ives

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Written by: Meredith Willson
Performed by: Johnny Mathis

Blue Christmas
Written by: Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson
Performed by: Elvis Presley

(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays
Written by: Bob Allen, Al Stillman
Performed by: Perry Como

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Written by: Tommie Connor (PRS)
Performed by: John Mellencamp

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
Written by: Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman
Performed by: Gene Autry

Carol Of The Bells
Written by: Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich
Performed by: David Foster (instrumental version)

Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Feed the World)
Written by: Midge Ure (PRS), Bob Geldof (PRS)
Performed by: Band Aid

This Christmas
Written by Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor
Performed by Gloria Estefan

Some facts about the Top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs:

Oldest songs:
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland” (both 1934)

Newest song:
“Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Feed the World)” (1984)

Most recorded Holiday song:
“White Christmas” with well over 500 versions in dozens of languages

Songs introduced in Film and Television
“White Christmas” in Holiday Inn (1942)
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
“Silver Bells” in The Lemon Drop Kid (1950)
“A Holly Jolly Christmas” in TV special Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1962)

Writer with most top Holiday songs:
Johnny Marks with three - “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas”

“Sleigh Ride” is the only holiday song on the list written originally as an instrumental piece for a symphony orchestra. The Boston Pops Orchestra gave the first performance in a concert conducted by Arthur Fiedler at Symphony Hall in Boston, May 4, 1948. Mills Music published it that same year. The Boston Pops Orchestra recorded it in June of 1949. Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1949.

Play the list below or buy mix from iTunes.

Listen: If You’re Out There

by John Legend

Be the change you want to see in the word. Listen to this song and be inspired.

Lyrics: If You’re Out There
by John Legend

If you hear this message, wherever you stand
I’m calling every woman, calling every man
We’re the generation
We can’t afford to wait
The future started yesterday and we’re already late

We’ve been looking for a song to sing
Searched for a melody
Searched for someone to lead
We’ve been looking for the world to change
If you feel the same
Then go on and say

If you’re out there
Sing along with me
If you’re out there
I’m dying to believe that you’re out there
Stand up and say it loud
If you’re out there
Tomorrow’s starting now
Now, now

No more broken promises
No more call to war
Unless it’s love and peace that we’re really fighting for
We can destroy hunger
We can conquer hate
Put down the arms and raise your voice
We’re joining hands today

Oh I was looking for a song to sing
I searched for a leader
But the leader was me
We were looking for the world to change
We can be heroes
Just go on and say

If you’re out there
Sing along with me
If you’re out there
I’m dying to believe that you’re out there
Stand up and say it loud
If you’re out there
Tomorrow’s starting now
Now, now

Oh now, now

If you’re ready we can shake the world
Believe again
It starts within
We don’t have to wait for destiny
We should be the change that we want to see

If you’re out there
Ooooh
If you’re out there
And you’re ready now
Say it loud
Scream it out

If you’re out there
Sing along with me
If you’re out there
I’m dying to believe that you’re out there
Stand up and say it loud
If you’re out there
Tomorrow’s starting now

If you’re out there
If you’re out there
If you’re out there

If you hear this message, wherever you stand
I’m calling every woman, calling every man
We’re the generation
We can’t afford to wait
The future started yesterday and we’re already late

To Hear: Enjoy

I found this song quite by accident. I thought it was a nice song to get your groove on while reminding yourself to take time to enjoy life and everything in it. Listen to the song, read the lyrics, see if it doesn’t remind you to celebrate life.

Lyrics, Enjoy
by Janet Jackson
Album 20 Year’s Old (20 YO)

Wake up 7 am
Bout time we do it again
Sushine today
I better make plans
Cause it rained yesterday
But that was ok
Cant complain
I love it either way

Living every day like it’s my last
I refuse to be stuck in the past
People actin like machines
Cause they’re scared to live their dreams
No not me

I just enjoy and celebrate
Enjoy the love we make
Enjoy, appreciate
Enjoy
Just keep on doing it
‘Til my hearts content
And enjoy when someone smiles
Enjoy
So just enjoy the simple things
Enjoy the day life brings
Enjoy the song love sings
Enjoy
Just keep on doing it
‘Til your hearts content
And enjoy the gift of life
Enjoy

If you wanna find the paradise
Do it now never too late to try
Lose your inhibitions
Let your inspiration set you free

And just enjoy and celebrate
Enjoy the love we make
Enjoy, appreciate
Enjoy
Just keep on doing it
‘Til my hearts content
And enjoy when someone smiles
Enjoy
So let’s enjoy the simple things
Enjoy the day life brings
Enjoy the song love sings
Enjoy
Just keep on doing it
‘Til your hearts content
And enjoy the gift of life
Enjoy

And the people say

Enjoy la la la la la [Repeat]

I just enjoy and celebrate
Enjoy the love we make
Enjoy, appreciate
Enjoy
Just keep on doing it
‘Til my hearts content
And enjoy when someone smiles
Enjoy
So just enjoy the simple things
Enjoy the day life brings
Enjoy the song love sings
Enjoy
Just keep on doing it
‘Til your hearts content
And enjoy the gift of life
Enjoy

Enjoy la la la la la [Repeat]

Listen: Keep Faith

So when you think hope is gone…Keep Faith. New song out September 16th by Matt Wertz. Listen up!

Lyrics: Keep Faith, by Matt Wertz
Everybody hurts
Everybody’s broken
But you gotta know
If you ever need me
I will be waiting
I…

Even when your hope is gone
Even when you’re barely holding on
If there’s anything that I’m sure of
I know that we were made for love
So if you start to break
Keep faith
Keep faith

When the days drag on
And you’re barely breathing
Searching for a light
You’ve had all along
Trust me, I’ve seen it
And if I could
Baby, make you believe it
Oh…

Even when your hope is gone
Even when you’re barely holding on
If there’s anything that I’m sure of
I know that we were made for love
So if you start to break
Keep faith

Just let yourself go
Just let yourself go
Just let yourself go
Just let yourself

If there’s anything that I’m sure of
I know that we were made for love
So if you start to break
Oh…

Even when your hope is gone
Even when you’re barely holding on
If there’s anything that I’m sure of
I know that we were made for love
If you start to break
If you start to break
Baby, if you start to break
Keep faith

Oh…
You gotta keep faith
Oh baby

You gotta keep faith
Keep faith

Listen: Beautiful

Christina Aguilera

For anytime someone says something hurtful,
for anytime you are accused of something you never did or would never do,
for anytime you are in agony over a betrayal,
or just heard gossip about you
or was just made fun of…
for someone who hurts,
for someone who needs to withstand the daggers and the barbs,
just remember who you are – “you are beautiful in every single way.”
Try not to let the words they attempt to throw on you bring you down. They cannot define you.
Stand. I hope this helps.

Lyrics: Beautiful, by Christina Aguilera
Spoken:
Don’t look at me

Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, i saw debris
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I’m so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can’t bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can’t bring me down
So don’t you bring me down today

To all your friends, you’re delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone left the puzzle undone
That’s the way it is

You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can’t bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can’t bring you down
Don’t you bring me down today…

No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won’t stay

And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won’t always shine
(sun won’t always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times

’cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won’t bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can’t bring us down
Don’t you bring me down today

Don’t you bring me down today
Don’t you bring me down today

My Wish For You: Good Drive Time

If you have to drive, whether it’s for a long distance or a short ride, I wish for you good solid driving time where you can look around and notice where you’ve been, how far you’ve come, and where you are today.

I wish for you the knowledge and security of knowing where you are going, and the stamina to make it there.

I wish for you everything you need to make your ride comfortable – whether it’s cool air conditioning or warm heat at your feet, a fresh bottle of water, and goodies for a long drive or a quick pick me up.

I wish for you great background music to keep you company. I hope you can find a great radio station or better yet, that you packed your iPod or your favorite CD’s.

I wish for you a freshly charged battery in your cell phone in case of emergency or just when you need to reach out to a friend because you thought of them.

I wish for you safety. I want you to get safely where it is you need to go.

And should anything happen, I wish for you calmness and surety that you will meet any obstacle that comes your way. You’ll get through it. Just breathe.

I wish for you good drive time. May your heart and soul hum as the rubber meets the road. Take in all the sights and sounds. This is your one and wonderful life. Navigate it. Drive it. It’s all open road from here.

All my love,

To Hear: The Time Of My Life

Live: Beginning Today

Beginning Today

I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning Today

I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there,
waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow
without first making the most of today.

Beginning Today

I will look in the mirror and I will see a person
worthy of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone
I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like
to get to know better.

Beginning Today

I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value the gift bestowed upon me in this world
and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.

Beginning Today

I will take a moment to step off the beaten path
and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder
my quest for growth and self-improvement.
Beginning Today

I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint
my positive self-image, my desire to succeed
or my capacity to love.

Beginning Today

I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before.
I believe there is hope for a brighter
and better future.

Beginning Today

I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences.
I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else:
perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning Today

I am responsible for my own happiness
and I will do things that make me happy…
admire the beautiful wonders of nature,
listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy,
soak in a bubble bath…
Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning Today

I will learn something new;
I will try something different;
I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning Today

And Every Day

Yes! Today and Every Day.

— Author Unknown

To Hear: I Wanna Feel Somethin’

Have you ever felt numbed out of life? It’s too much sometimes with talk of the never-ending presidential race, the war, recession, meeting life’s demands… well, it makes you just want to scream or sigh.

Country singer Trace Adkins, Donald Trumps latest Celebrity Apprentice finalist, sings this passionate song to empathize with you when you feel you have to hear your heart beat once more.

Maybe you can relate.

“I Wanna Feel Something”
Trace Adkins (c) 2006

If you’re tellin me I’m not on fire
You’re just preachin to the choir
I’ve gotten dull as old barbed wire from livin
Last night I watched the evening news
It was the same ol nothin new
It should have cut me right in two
But it didn’t
I dont know why it didn’t

But I wanna feel somethin
Somethin thats a real somethin
That moves me, that proves to me I’m still alive
I wanna heart that beats and bleeds
A heart thats bustin at the seams
I wanna care, I wanna cry, I wanna scream
I just wanna feel somethin

If you’re tellin me thats just how it is
I dont buy it cause once I was kissed
By a red-headed girl with cherry lips
On her porch when I was sixteen
And I felt it somewhere in my soul and time stood still and I couldn’t let go
I cant tell you cause I dont know how I got so cold
When did I get so cold

[Chorus:]
I just wanna feel somethin
Somethin that’s a real somethin
That moves me, that proves to me I’m still alive
Run my fingers through your fingers, across your face and through your hair
And close my eyes and breathe you in like air
I just wanna feel somethin

I hate that I’m jaded and I make you cry
But still you stick around me, only God knows why
Damn it all to hell, I’m done
Cause I don’t like what I’ve become
So come here, baby
Come here, baby

[Repeat Chorus]

Come here, baby

To Hear: Taking Chances

Whad’ya say to taking chances?

Taking Chances - Celine Dion

Don’t know much about your life.
Don’t know much about your world, but
Don’t want to be alone tonight,
On this planet they call earth.

You don’t know about my past, and
I don’t have a future figured out.
And maybe this is going too fast.
And maybe it’s not meant to last,

But what do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there’s solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

I just want to start again,
And maybe you could show me how to try,
And maybe you could take me in,
Somewhere underneath your skin?

What do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?

Never knowing if there’s solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

And I had my heart beaten down,
But I always come back for more, yeah.
There’s nothing like love to pull you up,
When you’re laying down on the floor there.
So talk to me, talk to me,
Like lovers do.
Yeah walk with me, walk with me,
Like lovers do,
Like lovers do.

What do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there’s solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say,
What do you say?

Don’t know much about your life
And I don’t know much about your world.

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