Jack Is Back!

We interrupt today's theme to bring you this special remaster that has seen quite a few requests lately. I first shared this record twice back in 2007, first in the original mono issue from 1957, then in the stereo reissue from a couple years later. The reason for the reissue (and retitle) was the success of the song Little Drummer Boy by Harry Simeone and his chorale. Harry claimed a big chunk of the songs composing royalties, yet here was a version released before he performed it. It was the subject of years and years of litigation to no one's satisfaction. But you don't care about any of that, you just want the music. I've only remastered the stereo version (it's the same recording on both) and the title and track order are taken from that version as well. But for the sake of history, I've included five different covers that this music has been issued under. Have a look and a listen to The Jack Halloran Singers-The Little Drummer Boy (AKA Christmas Is A-Comin') (Dot DLP 25,233, Stereo, 1959).

1. The Little Drummer Boy
2. Christmas Is A-Comin'
3. I Wonder As I Wander
4. While Shepherds Watched Their Sheep
5. Lullaby For The Infant Jesus
6. The Holly And The Ivy
7. Deck The Halls
8. Adeste Fideles; Joy To The World; O Little Town Of Bethlehem
9. Pat-A-Pan
10. Mary's Little Boy Child
11. Go Tell It On The Mountain
12. The Prince Of Peace
13. Angels We Have Heard On High
14. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; The First Noel; Silent Night
15. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

MEGA

Have you been really good this year? Have you kept your room clean and washed behind your ears every single night? Then I think maybe you deserve a little something nice from Santa. Here's a single from Jack Halloran and his singers that he released on Frank Sinatra's Reprise label a few years after the album above. As you'll see, he's trying really hard to copy the sound that made a hit out of The Little Drummer Boy. This is The Jack Halloran Singers-What Can I Give Him b/w The Christmas Star (Reprise 7" 45 RPM 245 Promotion Not For Sale, Mono, 1963).

MEGA