“Jingle Bells” is one ofthe most widely sung tunes in the world, although its lyrics vary from country to country. It was written by one-hit-wonder James Lord Pierpont (for Thanksgiving) in remembrance of the sleigh races in his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts. He published it as “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857 during a decidedly unsnowy fall in Georgia! It became a perennial classic, as evidenced by the fact that:
- It was one of the first songs ever recorded for the newly invented Edison Gramophone in 1889 (no copies exist today).
- In December, 1965, it became the first song ever played from space during the Gemini 6 mission.
- Its popularity may have inspired the modern use of the term “jingle” to describe a catchy, commercial melody.
Here’s a delightful rendering of 20 Different Versions of Jingle Bells, performed by the relentlessly clever pianist and singer Tony DeSare. Enjoy!
Woww..that’s awesome.. Jingles on the way.😊
I was surprised to read that anyone was familiar with the fact we don’t sing the original Jingle Bells. The original version is still known down south. It goes:
“Dashing through the sand,[ (fields) depending on what part of the south you’re in,] through oaks and Spanish moss.”
;>)
🙂
That was brilliant. ♥️
A blessed Christmas to you and yours, Mitch!
Thank you, Bruce, and to you and yours as well!
What fun!
He is really good! 🎶 🔔
He is indeed a phenomenal and very creative pianist.
Cool info. Thanks
Genius bit. Very talented pianist.
What fun! Thanks for sharing, Mitch. Have a dashing Christmas 🙂
;>) You too, Rosaliene.
Wow, that was so clever, and what a mimic!!
Wow, he is very talented. I really enjoyed it 🙂 Merry Christmas, Maggie
And the same to you, Maggie.
The Bob Dylan version was hilarious and the Radiohead one was rather beautiful. 🙂
I loved it!
I agree, Lesley. But I also love how the melancholy minor key dirge (VERY Radiohead) contrasts so absurdly with those gleeful lyrics.
Yes, that’s the funny bit. 😀
Best 👍🏻 Ever and like Mitch
He’s incredible!
He is so talented. Before this I hadn’t listened to one version of jingle bells yet this year …
Well, I’d say you’ve met your quota now. ;>)
Bravo! This was amazing, Mitch. Bouncing in my seat, clapping my hands, and wishing for more. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you, Kellye, likewise!
Now THAT was FUN!!!
Your temperatures are crazy. I was bowled over by our seven degrees this morning and the greeting of frost INSIDE the window. Beautiful pix. Merry Cmas, Mitch.
You too, Diana!
You remembered my name, lol. That’s sweet.
SO FUN!!! Played it for our kids (here from Idaho) and we all loved it! Thank you, Mitch, and Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄❣️
SO FUN!!! Played it for our kids (here from Idaho) and we all loved it! Thank you, Mitch, and Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄❣️
Not sure why it posted as anonymous ??? 🤪
And a (belated) Merry Christmas to you and yours, um, Nony! ;>)
Dori, when I click on the link to your blog I get an “access denied” message. Is that intentional?
Absolutely not…never! I’m not sure why that is happening…I will check into it. Thank you for letting me know.