Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

As we approach Christmas, here’s my favorite version of the Christmas classic, performed by the late, great, Ella Fitzgerald.  It’s more up-tempo than most versions, which I like.  And you’d be hard pressed to find a better singer on this or any other planet that Ella.  Enjoy!

 

The song itself has an interesting history.  I recommend the Wikipedia entry on it, which you can find here.  One of the original lyrics, never recorded, was “Have yourself a Merry little Christmas / it may be your last.”  That’s a fun Christmas message! 

Although Ella’s version is up-tempo and up beat, it does have the line “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow,” which was in the movie and in Judy Garland’s original version.  Later, Frank Sinatra thought that was still a little two downbeat and he changed it to “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.”  Most versions you hear have that lyric; I much prefer the original and don’t think it’s a downer at all.

And for those of you who don’t like Christmas music, here are a few pics.

 Merry Christmas Everyone!