Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights
A Cultural History of American Christmas Songs
By Ronald D. Lankford | Publisher: University Press of Florida
About the book
When Bing Crosby’s \"White Christmas\" debuted in 1942, no one imagined that a holiday song would top the charts year after year. One of the best-selling singles ever released, it remains on rotation at tree lighting ceremonies across the country, in crowded shopping malls on Black Friday, and at warm diners on lonely Christmas Eve nights. Over the years, other favorites have been added to America’s annual playlist, including Elvis Presley’s \"Blue Christmas,\" the King Cole Trio’s \"The Christmas Song,\" Gene Autry’s \"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,\" Willie Nelson’s \"Pretty Paper,\" and, of course, Elmo & Patsy’s \"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.\"
Viewing American holiday values through the filter of familiar Christmas songs, Ronald Lankford examines popular culture, consumerism, and the dynamics of the traditional American family. He surveys more than seventy-five years of songs and reveals that the “modern American Christmas” has carried a complex and sometimes contradictory set of meanings. Interpreting tunes against the backdrop of the eras in which they were first released, he identifies the repeated themes of nostalgia, commerce, holiday blues, carnival, and travesty that underscore so much beloved music. This first full-length analysis of the lyrics, images, and commercial forces inextricably linked to Yuletide music hits the heart of what many Americans think Christmas is--or should be.
Editions of Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780813044927
- EBook
- ISBN 9780813047829
Read an Excerpt
When Bing Crosby’s \"White Christmas\" debuted in 1942, no one imagined that a holiday song would top the charts year after year. One of the best-selling singles ever released, it remains on rotation at tree lighting ceremonies across the country, in crowded shopping malls on Black Friday, and at warm diners on lonely Christmas Eve nights. Over the years, other favorites have been added to America’s annual playlist, including Elvis Presley’s \"Blue Christmas,\" the King Cole Trio’s \"The Christmas Song,\" Gene Autry’s \"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,\" Willie Nelson’s \"Pretty Paper,\" and, of course, Elmo & Patsy’s \"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.\"
Viewing American holiday values through the filter of familiar Christmas songs, Ronald Lankford examines popular culture, consumerism, and the dynamics of the traditional American family. He surveys more than seventy-five years of songs and reveals that the “modern American Christmas” has carried a complex and sometimes contradictory set of meanings. Interpreting tunes against the backdrop of the eras in which they were first released, he identifies the repeated themes of nostalgia, commerce, holiday blues, carnival, and travesty that underscore so much beloved music. This first full-length analysis of the lyrics, images, and commercial forces inextricably linked to Yuletide music hits the heart of what many Americans think Christmas is--or should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights about?
When Bing Crosby’s \"White Christmas\" debuted in 1942, no one imagined that a holiday song would top the charts year after year. One of the best-selling singles ever released, it remains on rotation at tree lighting ceremonies across the country, in crowded shopping malls on Black Friday, and at warm diners on lonely Christmas Eve nights. Over the years, other favorites have been added to America’s annual playlist, including Elvis Presley’s \"Blue Christmas,\" the King Cole Trio’s \"The Christmas Song,\" Gene Autry’s \"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,\" Willie Nelson’s \"Pretty Paper,\" and, of course, Elmo & Patsy’s \"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.\"
Viewing American holiday values through the filter of familiar Christmas songs, Ronald Lankford examines popular culture, consumerism, and the dynamics of the traditional American family. He surveys more than seventy-five years of songs and reveals that the “modern American Christmas” has carried a complex and sometimes contradictory set of meanings. Interpreting tunes against the backdrop of the eras in which they were first released, he identifies the repeated themes of nostalgia, commerce, holiday blues, carnival, and travesty that underscore so much beloved music. This first full-length analysis of the lyrics, images, and commercial forces inextricably linked to Yuletide music hits the heart of what many Americans think Christmas is--or should be.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780813044927
How long is Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights and how many pages does it have?
Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights has 256 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights?
Ronald D. Lankford
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780813044927) and ebook(ISBN 9780813047829)
Where can I buy Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights online or support local independent bookshops?
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