Good morning and welcome to the biggest Saturday of the season. You might remember last Saturday when I tried to flood you with shares that all featured a cartoon Christmas celebration. Well, today is going to be even bigger and better. I've got dozens of records put out by the Salvation Army. That may sound a little boring to you, but keep in mind that most of these were put out specifically by the Salvation Army Western Territorial Center, located in California. That means they had access to many of the big Hollywood stars at the time. Each of these collection features a big star of the time and they always have something to say. It can make for a great listen and great little drop for a Christmas mixtape. The roster of stars reads to me like a couple really good episodes of The Love Boat. Imagine taking a cruise with Charlton Heston, Michael Landon, Cliff Robertson, Raymond Burr, Ronald Reagan, Mike Connors, William Conrad and a dozen more. I just wanna throw Isaac and Gopher in there and be gone for six days/seven nights. I'll begin here with the oldest record in my collection that fits the theme, going all the way back to 1964 (though earlier versions do exist, primarily on 16" transcription discs). This is
Special Christmas Program (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territorial Headquarters, Public Relations Department, CPM-12-2487, Stereo, 1964). Don't worry, the titles get more descriptive. And look at that great cover! I'd buy it just for that, the presence on Ronald Reagan on here is just icing on the cake!
1. ABC Army Of Stars 43 Piece Orchestra, Rex Koury-Conductor, Ted Gifford & Ronald Reagan-Narrators-Army Of Stars Theme
2. Glade Peterson-The Holy City
3. John Shaw-Eri Tu Che Macchiavi (The Masked Ball)
4. Dorothy Cole With Azusa College Chorale, Directed By Earle Anderson-The Lord's Prayer
5. Thomas Stewart-Di Proenza Il Mar (La Traviata)
6. Azusa College Chorale, Directed By Earle Anderson-For Unto A Child Is Born (Messiah)
7. Dorothy Cole-Cantique De Noel
8. ABC Army Of Stars 43 Piece Orchestra, Rex Koury-Conductor, Ronald Reagan-Narrator-Closing Theme
MEGA
Oh Ernie, You are beyond the "Best in the East"! I could hug you. My wife and I have been attending The Salvation Army since 2001. I have been working on getting as many Christmas Albums as possible. I am so looking forward to this Saturday :)
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