Super Saturday Salvation 23

OK, this is the end of our Super Saturday Salvation Army celebration today. The very last record I have for you is only sort of tangentially related to The Salvation Army in that they were a benefactor of the release. I'm sure I put this in the Salvation Army pile years ago because I saw that logo, then didn't think anything more about it for years until I pulled it out this season with all the rest of them. I believe the main sponsor of this record was a grocery store in Mississippi called Jitney Jungle. Interesting name for a grocery store, but whatever gets the customers in the door. Lots of local artists here, but I think Dorothy Moore was a known name in certain blues circles. I believe her contribution here is unique in her catalog, so enjoy that. This is The Gift Of Christmas (Jitney Jungle, Salvation Army (Mississippi) MJJ1087, Stereo, 1987). That's the end of the fun today. Stay tuned for more good stuff tomorrow, but nothing from The Salvation Army, I promise.

1. Dorothy Moore-Accompanied By Ed Butler-Silent Night
2. First Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir-Director: Larry Black-Christmas Festival
3. The Expressions Of Jackson State University-Director: John Cornelius-Christmas Medley
4. St. Andrew's Episcopal Middle School Girls' Choir-Director: Martha Neilson-Go Tell It On The Mountain
5. Murrah High School Chorus-Director: Susan Lampkin-Carol of The Bells
6. Broadmoor Baptist Church Choir-Director: J.M. Wood-Joy To The World; Halleujah
7. Jackson College Of Ministries-Soloists: Sandra Mathews And Shelton Lovern-More Than Wonderful
8. Broadmoor Baptist Church Choir-Director: J.M. Wood-Ring The Bells
9. Millsaps Singers-Director: Tim Coker-Carol Of The Drum
10. Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church Pop Group-Director: Ken Roberts-Jazz Gloria
11. Greater Fairview Baptist Church Young Adult Choir-Director: Lannie McBride-Share A Blessing
12. St. Andrew's Episcopal Middle School Girls' Choir-Director: Martha Neilson-Winter Wonderland
13. Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church Ladies Group-Director: Ken Roberts-Silent Night
14. First Presbyterian Church-Director: William Wymond-Hallelujah Chorus

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Super Saturday Salvation 22

Time to take a sharp turn from all the music we've heard today and listen to some music put out by a Salvation Army School. It's a bunch of blind students at a school in Jamaica. That's pretty far from what we've heard previously from the Salvation Army. And this one is on Scepter, the same label that brought you Dionne Warwick during this same period. You just never know what's going to turn up here at the blog. This is The Salvation Army School For The Blind-The Salvation Army School For The Blind Presents A Christmas Album (Scepter SRM-554, Mono, 1966).

1. Little Donkey
2. As With Gladness Men Of Old
3. While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks
4. Silent Night, Holy Night
5. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In
6. The Little King Jesus
7. Now The Holly Bears A Berry
8. O Come All Ye Faithful
9. Little Drummer Boy
10. Jingle Bells
11. Coventry Carol
12. Good Christian Men Rejoice
13. Away In A Manger

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Super Saturday Salvation 21

I suspect this next record is the closest we're going to get to the sound you expect when you hear about The Salvation Army Band. It's also the oldest, I believe. This is William Booth Singers And The International Staff Band Of The Salvation Army-Christmas With William Booth Singers And The International Staff Band Of The Salvation Army (Alma Records/A Christian Faith Recording 673, Stereo, 1961). Nice cover on this one, really playing into the legend of the Salvation Army Band.

1. The Carollers
2. Christians Awake
3. Noel Medley
4. See Amid The Winter's Snow
5. The Festive Season
6. Glory In The Highest
7. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
8. Christmas Joy Medley
9. The Spirit Of Christmas
10. Child Of Mary
11. Christmas In Europe
12. Once In Royal David's City
13. Silent Night! Holy Night!
14. Good King Wenceslas
15. O Come, All Ye Faithful

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Super Saturday Salvation 20

The Salvation Army is famous for their Christmas music, usually played by a brass band on a street corner, and the single bell ringer stationed out in front of the store with a red pot, but they've put out a lot of music over the years. In addition to the Army of Stars series that I just finished, I've got a few other records they made that I want to share with you before the day is out. This is the first record in that series, Christmas Greetings From The Territorial Center (Salvation Army, The Eastern Territory, U.S.A. TRLPS-43, Stereo, 1984). This record came out on the other side of the country from all those others, concentrating on the Eastern territory instead of the Western. I'm assuming that's NYC on the front cover, but I don't think all the musicians are necessarily from there. It's a neat mix of stuff and certainly different from what we've heard up until now. Enjoy!

1. Cambridge Citadel Band-March Of The Three Kings
2. Fred Honsberger-Narration
3. Cynthia Clark Blaylock & Gloria Jackson-Gesú, Bambino
4. Fred Honsberger-Narration
5. SASF Band Of Asbury College-The Suppliant Heart
6. Fred Honsberger-Narration
7. Rhode López & Gladys Jusino de Diaz-Venid Pastores
8. Fred Honsberger-Narration
9. Cynthia Clark Blaylock & Gloria Jackson-The Secret Of Christmas
10. New York Staff Band-How Far To Bethlehem?
11. Fred Honsberger-Narration
12. Rhode López & Gladys Jusino de Diaz-Tras Hermoso Lucero
13. Fred Honsberger-Narration
14. New York Staff Band-The Bethlehem Story
15. Fred Honsberger-Narration
16. Lt. Colonel Albert Avery-My Song Of Praise
17. Fred Honsberger-Narration
18. Philip Smith & New York Staff Band-Trumpet Voluntary

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Super Saturday Salvation 19

We skip 1984 and find ourselves at 1985. This is the last record I have in the Army of Stars series, though Discogs lists a 1986 edition I don't have (it features Vincent Price, no wonder I can't find a copy).  This 1985 version is the first and only record in the series I know of that features tracks not specifically recorded for The Salvation Army, it's not even all Christmas music. The second side is all non-Christmas music by the lead artist here, The Canadian Brass. Side one is mostly Christmas music that appears to be recycled from their RCA back catalog. We do get a special guest narrator in Cliff Robertson (the voice of AT&T and Uncle Ben if memory serves) and a track featuring the ubiquitous Roger Wagner Chorale. It's a weird mix and smells to me like something put together in a hurry. I guess the series was winding down and there wasn't a whole lot of interest in putting out a great product moving forward. I could be way off base here, but I don't think so. Anyhow, this is Brass And Bells At Christmas (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army-Western Territory, Stereo, 1985). As I said, that's the end of the records I have in this series, but that doesn't mean I don't have more Salvation Army to share with you. Stay tuned!

1. Canadian Brass With Cliff Robertson, Narration-O Come All Ye Faithful; Joy To The World
2. Canadian Brass-Hark The Herald Angels Sing
3. Canadian Brass-O Holy Night
4. Canadian Brass-The Holly And The Ivy
5. Canadian Brass-Coventry Carol
6. Canadian Brass-O Come, O Come Emmanuel
7. Canadian Brass-The First Noel
8. Canadian Brass-Away In A Manger
9. Canadian Brass-Deck The Hall
10. Cliff Robertson, Narration, With Roger Wagner Chorale-Christmas Story
11. Roger Wagner Chorale-Angels We Have Heard On High
12. Canadian Brass-Fanfare 'Albason' (Theme Of CBS' Sunday Morning)
13. Canadian Brass-Prince Of Denmark's March (Trumpet Voluntary)
14. Canadian Brass-Just A Closer Walk With Thee
15. Canadian Brass-Wachet Auf
16. Canadian Brass-Suite From 'Water Music'-Minuet, Air, Hornpipe, Allegro Maestoso
17. Canadian Brass-The War Between The States

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Super Saturday Salvation 18

1983 was an odd year for the Army Of Stars. The big name here is Jimmy Stewart, but he's joined by Orson Wells, Greer Garson, William Conrad and Michael Landon in what must be outtakes from their recent appearances. The Jimmy Stewart contributions are really short for some reason, I wonder if there was some reason for his limited parts. The world may never know, but you can still download and enjoy the record. This is The Gift Of Christmas (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations & Development Department, KM 11576, Stereo, 1983). Also weird here is the active participation of a prominent member of The Salvation Army brass in a speaking role. I don't think we've seen that before. Lots of curious things going on with this edition.

1. James Stewart-Introduction
2. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-We Three Kings
3. Orson Wells-Luke 2:1-5
4. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-What Child Is This
5. William Conrad And Orson Welles-Luke 2:6-9
6. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-O Little Town Of Bethlehem
7. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With William Conrad-Luke 2:10-12; Gesu Bambino
8. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With Orson Welles-Luke 2:13-14; Angels We Have Heard On High
9. James Stewart-Luke 2:15-16
10. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Virgin's Slumber Song
11. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With William Conrad-Luke 2:17-20; Joy To The World
12. James Stewart-Conclusion
13. Commissioner Will Pratt-Introduction
14. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With Commissioner Will Pratt And Orson Welles-Isaiah 2:4, 9-6; Dona Nobis Pacem
15. Commissioner Will Pratt And Greer Garson-Matthew 1:18-21
16. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Ave Maria
17. Commissioner Will Pratt-Matthew 1:22, 23
18. Alice Baker-Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive And Bring Forth A Son
19. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-O Thou That Tell Us
20. Commissioner Will Pratt-Matthew 1:24, 25
21. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Alleluja
22. Commissioner Will Pratt-Narration
23. Michael Landon-Matthew 2:1-6
24. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-O Little Town
25. Commissioner Will Pratt-Narration
26. Michael Landon-Matthew 2:9-12
27. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
28. Greer Garson-John 1:1-15, 10-14
29. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Fairest Lord Jesus

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Super Saturday Salvation 17

Wow, this is a really long series. I can't believe how many records I've posted here today, and I'm not done yet! Have I ever done a series with this many entries? I can't think of anything. Up next is 1982 and, believe it or not, the voice of God himself, Charlton Heston! Who better to read these bible versus interspersed with pieces from Handel's Messiah. Heston recorded pretty much the whole bible at one point or another during his career, so there's not really anything new here, but it's great to hear his voice talking about something other than apes or Soylent Green. This is Christmas Music From Handel's Messiah (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations & Development Department KM 10534, Stereo, 1982).

1. Charlton Heston-Introduction
2. Sinfonia Orchestra-Overture
3. Charlton Heston-Isaiah 40:1
4. Byron Wright With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Comfort Ye My People
5. Byron Wright With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Every Valley Shall Be Exalted
6. The Roger Wagner Chorale-And The Glory Of The Lord
7. Douglas Lawrence With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts
8. Douglas Lawrence With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming
9. The Roger Wagner Chorale-And He Shall Purify The Sons Of Levi
10. Charlton Heston-Matthew 1:18-22
11. Alice Baker With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive, And Bear A Son
12. Alice Baker And The Roger Wagner Chorale-O Thou That Tellest Good Tiding Of Zion
13. Charlton Heston-Isaiah 9:2&6
14. Douglas Lawrence With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover The Earth
15. Douglas Lawrence With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The People That Walked In Darkness Have Seen A Great Light
16. The Roger Wagner Chorale-For Unto Us A Child Is Born
17. Sinfonia Orchestra-Pastoral Symphony
18. Charlton Heston-Luke 2:1-7
19. Maurita Phillips Thornberg With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Fields
20. Maurita Phillips Thornberg With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-And The Angel Said Unto Them, Fear Not
21. Maurita Phillips Thornberg With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-And Suddenly There Was With The Angel A Multitude
22. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Glory To God In The Highest
23. Charlton Heston-Zechariah 9:8&10
24. Maurita Phillips Thornberg With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Rejoice Greatly, Daughter Of Zion
25. Alice Baker With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind Be Opened
26. Alice Baker With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd
27. The Roger Wagner Chorale-His Yoke Is Easy And His Burden Is Light
28. Charlton Heston-John 3:16&17
29. The Roger Wagner Chorale-The Hallelujah Chorus

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Super Saturday Salvation 16

This is a weird one. I checked and double checked, but this is the second Army Of Stars record released in 1981. Why would they release two different versions in one year? I have no idea. There doesn't seem to be any relation between the two, they just seem to co-exist in the same universe. The guest star here is Macdonald Carey, but I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea who that is. (To the Wikipedia!) While I'm trying to figure out what made this guy famous, please download and enjoy Thou Bethlehem (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations And Development Department, KM 7006, Stereo, 1981).

1. Sinfonia Orchestra-Theme -- Christmas Prelude
2. Macdonald Carey-Narration
3. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra-Glory To God
4. Macdonald Carey-Narration
5. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra-O Little Town
6. Macdonald Carey-Narration
7. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra, Solo-Salli Terri-I Wonder As I Wander
8. Macdonald Carey-Narration
9. The Roger Wagner Chorale-O Come Emanuel
10. Macdonald Carey-Narration
11. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
12. Sinfonia Orchestra-Lullaby
13. Macdonald Carey-Narration
14. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra-How Lovely Is They Dwelling Place
15. Macdonald Carey-Narration
16. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra-Away In A Manger
17. Macdonald Carey-Narration
18. The Roger Wagner Chorale With Sinfonia Orchestra, Solo-Salli Terri-Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head
19. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With Macdonald Carey, Narration-Glorioso
20. Sinfonia Orchestra-Army Of Stars Theme

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Super Saturday Salvation 15

Onward into the Eighties as we work our way through the Army of Stars series from The Salvation Army. We're up to 1981 now, and this one features Ricardo Montalban, star of Star Trek and Fantasy Island. I've been thinking for a long time about trying to put together a Christmas collection that somehow ties in to Star Trek, and I just now realized I could probably grab someo of Montalban's work here for that collection. Everyone remember him for that memorable episode from the original series and then his return in the Movie Wrath Of Khan. I can't believe I didn't make that connection before now. Anyhow, enjoy this record and stay tuned for the next one, which oddly enough was released in the same year. This is Gloria (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations And Development Department 12560, Stereo, 1981).

1. Ricardo Montalban-Narrator, With The Cambridge Singers And The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble-Gloria
2. Ricardo Montalban-Narrator, With The Cambridge Singers And The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble-Gloria
3. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
4. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Mary Had A Baby
5. The Roger Wagner Chorale, Annie Kim, Soprano Soloist-There Is A Balm In Gilead
6. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra, Annie Kim, Soprano Soloist-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of Love: This Is The Truth
7. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of Bells: Ding Dong Merrily On High
8. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of Mary: Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
9. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of Children: Patapan
10. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of The New Year: New Year Song
11. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of Dance: Fum, Fum, Fum
12. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Seven Joys Of Christmas-The Joy Of Song: God Bless The Master Of This House
13. Ricardo Montalban-Narrator, With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Wiseman's Story; Ode To Joy
14. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-A Foreign Christmas Medley: The Christmas Nightingale; Latin-American Christmas; The Gift Carol; A Merry Christmas Song

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Super Saturday Salvation 14

We're right at the beginning of the Eighties now, the decade I came of age. It was also the year that Ronald Reagan was elected President of The United States of America. You'll recall that he narrated the very first entry in this series that I shared with you this morning. Who would have guessed such a thing. Anyhow, the star of the hour this time around is Michael Landon, another star of Little House On The Prairie named Michael as I promised earlier today. You'll also remember him from Ponderosa and Highway to Heaven. Give a listen to The Beauty Of Christmas (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations Department, KM 5656, Stereo, 1980).

1. Michael Landon-Introduction
2. Roger Wagner Sinfonia Orchestra-Army Of Stars Theme
3. Michael Landon With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Where Beauty Lives; Come Beautiful Christ
4. Michael Landon-The Conspiracy Of Herod (Matthew 2:1-12)
5. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra, Salli Terri, Soloist-Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
6. Michael Landon With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-I Dream A World; America The Beautiful
7. Michael Landon With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Christmas On The Prairie; Cowboy Carol
8. Michael Landon With The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra, Maurita Phillips Thornburgh, Soloist-The Beauty Of Christ; How Beautiful Are The Feet
9. Michael Landon-Wonder
10. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-I Wonder As I Wander
11. Michael Landon-The Bird Of Dawning (Shakespeare)
12. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-What Child Is This (Greensleeves)
13. Michael Landon-An Indian Carol
14. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Gloria
15. Michael Landon-The Beauty Of Prayer
16. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Just For Today
17. Michael Landon-Closing
18. Benedetto Marcello-Psalm

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Super Saturday Salvation 13

Lucky number thirteen! You probably didn't think the series could possibly go on this long, did you? Well, here we are, and the end is still a ways off. This next entry takes us to the end of the Seventies and features noted wine spokesperson Orson Welles. Sure he did a think or two else, like introducing a memorable episode of Moonlighting, and voicing The Brain for a number of years after his death, but I think we all remember those wine commercials. You'll really enjoy his instantly recognizable voice on Peace (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations Department KM 4395, Stereo, 1979). Looks like we're back to two-channel stereo with this installment, I knew they couldn't keep going with the quad for too much longer. It was a noble experiment and they stuck with it for much longer than most, but it was a doomed format, like Betamax or Novell.

1. Orson Welles-Introduction
2. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Trumpet Voluntary
3. Orson Welles-The Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-7)
4. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-O Little Town Of Bethlehem
5. Orson Welles-The Christmas Story (Luke 2:8-14)
6. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Christmas Day
7. Orson Welles-The Desiderata
8. Orson Welles-The 24th Psalm
9. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra, Soloist-Byron George Wright-These Things I Know (Londonderry Air)
10. Orson Welles-Psalm 8 And Psalm 100
11. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Ode To Joy
12. Orson Welles-The 23rd Psalm
13. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Peace In Our Time O Lord
14. Orson Welles-Isaiah 2:4
15. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Dona Nobis Pacem
16. Orson Welles-Philippians 4:8-9
17. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Let There Be Peace On Earth
18. Orson Welles-Closing

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Meanwhile, Over at Buster's Place

Let me chime in here for a sec and mention that my buddy Buster is sharing a rare 16" transcription disc of what I think is the second year of the Salvation Army-Army of Stars series! I have no way to record such a big record,  so he's doing the honors for me. Head on over there and tell him Ernie sent you.

https://big10inchrecord.blogspot.com/2025/12/an-army-of-stars-at-christmas-1949.html

Super Saturday Salvation 12

Noon o'clock, we're halfway through our day and halfway through this giant stack of Army Of Stars recordings. Well, more than halfway through the Army of Stars records, but only halfway through the Salvation Army records. You'll see. Anyhow, it's time for the 1978 entry into the series, featuring Miss Greer Garson. Like the stars of any good episode of the Love Boat, some of them I could tell you about and some of them I just recognized the name. This one falls into that latter category, I couldn't tell you anything she's starred in, but the name is familiar. You can head over to Wikipedia for all the details you might need to know. When you get back you can download and listen to Christmas Is Love (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations Department, Quad, 1978). They were still releasing this in quadraphonic in 1978? I didn't think the fad held on that long. I think the system requirements were a bit clumsy in the Seventies with competing encoding strategies and expensive equipment. I think the standard died a natural death about this time and didn't return until the home theater setups of the mid- to late-Nineties. Plenty of systems these days offer more than two channels of music, and even some of the old classic rock titles of the first era are starting to be re-released in their quad mixes. Those original records can be hard to find and expensive, but these Salvation Army records don't seem to have much demand, either for their quad sound or their music in general. Their loss.

1. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Hark! Unto Us A Child Is Born
2. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Soloist: Mary Rawcliffe-Come Unto Him (From The Messiah)
3. Greer Garson-Narration
4. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Alleluia (Old German Melody)
5. Greer Garson-Narration
6. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Soloist: Mary Rawcliffe-Ave Maria
7. Greer Garson-Narration
8. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Gloria
9. Greer Garson-Narration
10. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Soloist: David Romano-Fairest Lord Jesus
11. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-There Fell A Heavenly Dew
12. Greer Garson-Narration
13. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-The Lord's Prayer
14. Greer Garson-Narration
15. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With Greer Garson, Narration-Soloist: Nancy O'Brien-The Lord's Prayer (From The African Sanctus)
16. Greer Garson-Narration
17. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Eternal Life (Prayer Of St. Francis)
18. Greer Garson-Narration
19. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra-Love Theme
20. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With Greer Garson, Narration-His Love Remains The Same
21. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Sinfonia Orchestra With Greer Garson, Narration-Onward Christian Soldiers

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Super Saturday Salvation 11

As promised, this entry into the Salvation Army telethon today is very similar to the previous entry, only it's been reformatted as a radio show. I think that's how the whole series got it's start, it was a radio presentation and only later did it become more like a regular album. I didn't even know I had something different with this record until I was almost done with all of the ripping and scanning of these records. I was trying to tag the files of the other version of this release, and the tracks just weren't lining up with the names on the scan I had made. I thought maybe I had the wrong record in the sleeve until I went back and looked at the actual records in my collection. Like many of these entries, I had more than one copy in the library, in this case three. And two of those were the standard home version. But I had inadvertently scanned this version without realizing it was any different. A close examination revealed the info about it being radio shows and having slightly different tracks. So I went back to the beginning and recorded the whole thing start to finish, then scanned one of the other album covers so that I now had a complete set. I love finding little surprises like that and being able to share them with you. This is Roger Wagner Conducting The Sinfonia Orchestra, The California Boys' Choir And The L.A. Schools Girls' Choir With Burl Ives-The Children At Christmas-1977 Radio Program (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Division, Community Relations Department, KM 1350, Quad, 1977). Discogs doesn't know about the existence of this special radio version, but it does mention a radio version of the previous entry in the series from 1976. Anybody got a copy of that one?

1. The Children At Christmas
2. Burl And The Boys At Christmas
3. Reflections By Starlight

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Super Saturday Salvation 10

Still morning time and we're about halfway through the series now. I hope you're enjoying this collection as much as I am. I've been collecting these records for a long time now, and carefully gathering them all together on a shelf. Earlier this year I decided to finally do something with them and today is the result of that. I'm not the biggest fan of some of the music that's featured on these records, but the celebrity bits more than make up for the music. This one is not different than the rest, it's good solid music with narration by a Hollywood notable, in this case Burl Ives. Well, I guess it is different because it's the first time the guest is a musical artist and sings for his supper, so to speak. And this is also the first year in which there were two different versions of the record. The version in this post is the one for home listening, and there'll be another version coming up in the next hour. For now, this is The Children At Christmas (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations Department, KM 1349, Quad, 1977). The tracks here by Burl Ives seem to be familiar songs from his Christmas repertoire, but I do not believe they are the commercially recorded versions we're all familiar with. I could be proven wrong, but the tracks I compared were not the same. There's plenty more rare Burl in the archives here if you care to take a look.

1. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-Little Drummer Boy
2. Burl Ives-Little Grey Donkey
3. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-The Virgin's Cradle Song (19th Century)
4. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-The Song Of The Three Wise Men
5. Burl Ives-Friendly Beasts
6. Burl Ives-Oh What A Lucky Boy I Am
7. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-Wolcom Yule
8. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-Soloist: Salli Terri-Some Children See Him
9. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-This Little Babe
10. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-Mary's Lullaby (Polish Carol)
11. Roger Wagner Directing The California Boys' Choir And L.A. Schools Girls' Choir-Balulalow
12. Burl Ives-King Herod And The Cock (Anon. English)
13. Burl Ives-Little Lost Angel
14. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Sleigh Ride

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Super Saturday Salvation 9

1976, and Roger Wagner enters the picture. I think he stays with the series all the way up until the end. He may have been the biggest long-term 'get' that the series ever landed. The big 'get' for this edition only is William Conrad, star of TV's Cannon and Jake And The Fat Man, as well as the narrator of early Rocky & Bullwinkle episodes! Truly an American here if ever there was one, but I'm not sure if his strident tones are appropriate for the Christmas celebration here. But I'm sure you'll still enjoy The Christmas Story (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Community Relations Department, USR 9521, Quad, 1976).

1. The Roger Wagner Chorale-We Three Kings
2. The Roger Wagner Chorale With William Conrad, Narrator-What Child Is This
3. William Conrad, Narrator-Narration
4. The Roger Wagner Chorale-O Little Town Of Bethlehem
5. The Roger Wagner Chorale With William Conrad, Narrator-Gesu Bambino
6. The Roger Wagner Chorale With William Conrad, Narrator-Angels We Have Heard On High
7. The Roger Wagner Chorale With William Conrad, Narrator-The Virgin's Slumber Song
8. The Roger Wagner Chorale With William Conrad, Narrator-Joy To The World
9. William Conrad, Narrator-Narration
10. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Carol Of The Bells
11. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring
12. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Soloist: Salli Terri-Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
13. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Soloist: Mary Rawcliffe-Sleep, Holy Babe
14. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Soloist: Salli Terri-The Coventry Carol
15. The Roger Wagner Chorale-He Is Born
16. The Roger Wagner Chorale-The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy
17. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Silent Night

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 8

Looks like the Salvation army was getting a bit of a jump on the Bicentennial in 1975 with this album. I was convinced this was the 1976 entry until I actually looked at the printing on the record. I guess it was a long celebration that couple of years. I was just a kid, but I remember going to see the Freedom Train as it spent a day in our small town. Oh, and the special quarters (and half dollars and silver dollars, too) that came out that year. They made so many of them that they skipped production in 1975 just to make more 1976 versions. The special guest star this year was Michael Learned, star of The Waltons. I have to admit that I didn't know who she was (or even that she was a she...), I had to look it up. This is not the only star of The Waltons that we're going to see today, by the way. For a trip down memory lane, please download Happy Birthday, America! (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army Western Territory Public Relations Department USR 8144, Quad, 1975). 

1. University Singers, California State University, Northridge-Glory To God
2. Gary Burgess-Every Valley
3. Sheila Nadler-Child Jesus Came To Earth This Day
4. University Singers, California State University, Northridge-For Unto Us A Child Is Born
5. Dominic Cossa-O Come All Ye Faithful
6. Sheila Nadler-My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice
7. University Singers, California State University, Northridge-Holly And Ivy
8. Gary Burgess-Angels We Have Heard On High
9. Sheila Nadler-Ring Out, Wild Bells
10. University Singers, California State University, Northridge-Coventry Carol
11. Army Of Stars Orchestra, Conducted By Rex Koury-Winter Carnival
12. University Singers, California State University, Northridge-On December Five & Twenty-Fum, Fum, Fum
13. Michael Learned-Narrator, Dominic Cossa And Choir-Happy Birthday, America-Merry Christmas, America; Glory, Glory Hallelujah

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 7

Lucky number seven! Hopefully more of you are starting to wake up now and can join in with today's Army of Stars Spectacular. We're up to 1974 already and our special guest is Lorne Greene, patriarch of The Ponderosa and space farer extraordinaire in Battlestar Galactica. Lorne left us with quite a bit of a Christmas legacy, but I think this small piece has been lost for a while. I'm excited to bring it back to you today. This is A Different Drummer (Army Of Stars, Quad, 1974). Another quad entry. Not sure if these are the first shares I've had that are in quad, I need to do some research. Looks like I may have shared a single track in quad during Christmas in July one time, but no albums. Cool, that means this is new ground for us.

1. Choral Union-San Francisco State University-Hallelujah Chorus
2. The Army Of Stars Orchestra-Directed By Rex Koury-The Little Drummer Boy
3. Lorne Greene, Narration-A Different Drummer
4. Jess Thomas-The Impossible Dream
5. Ava June-Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
6. University Singers-San Francisco State University-The First Noel
7. Jess Thomas-I Heard The Bells
8. University Singers-San Francisco State University-Sons Of The East
9. Ava June-Silent Night
10. Choral Union-San Francisco State University-Virgin's Cradle Hymn
11. Jess Thomas-The Lord's Prayer
12. Ava June-Porgi Amor (Aria, Marriage Of Figaro)
13. Choral Union-San Francisco State University-Joy To The World

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 6

Number six on December 6th at six am. Gotta be something special about that, but I don't know what it is. Our sixth share of the day comes from 1973 and the guest artist is Mike Connors, Mannix himself. Go give a listen to The Angels Sing (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Public Relations Department, Quadraphonic, 1973). Is this the first entry in the series that was in quad? I think it is. I have no way of decoding that on my little setup, but if anyone out there can decode and listen to this, I'd be curious to hear if the process survives the FLAC compression. Is there anything interesting going on in the back channels? I kinda doubt it, the music is not the most exciting part of any of these releases. It's quite competent, but it's not my style.

1. Gwen Jones-Panis Angelicus "O Lord Most Holy"
2. Mike Connors With Army Of Stars Orchestra-The Angels Still Wing (Narration)
3. Azusa Pacific College Choir-Earle Anderson, Director-Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. John Stewart-If With All Your Heart
5. Army Of Stars Orchestra, Rex Koury-Conductor And Musical Director-Carols Of Christmas
6. Army Of Stars Orchestra, Rex Koury-Conductor And Musical Director-Christmas Morning
7. Evelyn Petros-Non Piu Mesta
8. Douglas Lawrence-O Thou Sublime Sweet Evening Star
9. Azusa Pacific College Choir-Earle Anderson, Director-O Little Town Of Bethlehem

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 5

 Five am, time for share number five. Not sure if anyone is even up and playing along this early in the day on the US east coast, but maybe some of our European friends are awake. Number five features absolutely no mambo, but the guest artist is Betsy Palmer. I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea who that is. Perhaps Wikipedia can enlighten us. In the meantime, please give a listen to Joy To The World (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army. Western Territory, Public Relations Department, 40940, Stereo, 1972). The title on this one, while appropriate, is kind of meh, as is the artwork. We're getting into those dull Seventies colors now.

1. Joy Davidson-O Thou That Tellest Great Tidings
2. Robert Hale-The Trumpet Shall Sound
3. Stuart Burrows-O Little Town of Bethlehem
4. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Joy To The World
5. Joy Davidson-Sweet Little Jesus Boy
6. Stuart Burrows-It Must Be Love That Leads Me On
7. Patricia Brooks-Doretta's Aria
8. Betsy Palmer-Narration-The Meaning Of Christmas
9. Azusa Pacific College Choir-Earle Anderson, Director-Westminster Carol

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 4

What's fourth in the pile today? Looks like we're skipping over 1970 (another one I need to find) and going straight to 1971. Our special guest is Helen Hayes, I name I know but can't tell you a single thing she was in. I guess I'm not that big of a fan. But it's our first female narrator, so that's pretty special, Don't think she's going to be the last, either. Please give her and the other stars here a good listen in The Search (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Public Relations Department 40191, Stereo, 1971). Nice descriptive title on this one, and another great minimalist sleeve design. I remember trying to be very careful when I was cleaning up the artwork to not remove any real stars but only clean off any nicks, dust and scratches that didn't look like scattered stars.

1. John Stewart, Tenor, With Army Of Stars Orchestra-If With All Your Heart
2. Judith Beckmann, Soprano, With Army Of Stars Orchestra-I Wonder As I Wander
3. Helen Hayes With Army Of Stars Orchestra-The Search (Narration)
4. Dominic Cossa, Baritone, With Army Of Stars Orchestra-Cantique De Noel
5. Donna Peterson, Mezzo-Soprano, With Army Of Stars Orchestra-Ave Maria
6. Michael Devlin, Baritone, With Army Of Stars Orchestra-Gesu Bambino
7. Azusa Pacific College Choir-Earle Anderson, Director-With Army Of Stars Orchestra-Calypso Noel

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 3

Episode three, where we time travel back to 1969. We get to see Woodstock, the moon landing, The Beatles as they slowly get ready to disintegrate and this gem from The Salvation Army. The special guest today is Fred MacMurray, star of Flubber and My Three Sons, another show I used to watch in perpetual reruns as a child. This is Silent Night (Salvation Army Army Of Stars CPM 12-2652, Stereo, 1969). At least this edition gets a proper title. Not very descriptive, perhaps, but appropriate.

1. Fred MacMurray-Journey To Bethlehem
2. Carol Todd-Cantique De Noel
3. Fred MacMurray-Hills Of Judea
4. Richard Clark-Go Tell It On The Mountain
5. Fred MacMurray-Three Wise Men
6. Timothy Nolen-O Thou Sublime Sweet Evening Star--Tannhauser
7. Azusa Pacific College Choir-O Little Town Of Bethlehem
8. Fred MacMurray-Guiding Light
9. Sheila Marks-Gesu Bambino
10. Fred MacMurray-Silent Night
11. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Silent Night
12. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Interlude
13. Richard Clark, Sheila Marks, Timothy Nolen, Azusa Pacific College Choir-Hark The Herald Angels Sing

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 2

For the second installment in this long string of Salvation Army records today, we skip ahead to 1968 and the special guest star is Raymond Burr, star of the American version of the very first Godzilla movie, as well as his own TV show Perry Mason. I used to enjoy watching that at noon weekdays on channel 44 when I was a wee tyke. I could only watch it regularly during the summer, but if I was sick and had to stay home during the school year, I could watch it right after The Price Is Right. Good times. Hopefully this will bring back some good memories for you as well. This is Special Christmas Program (Army Of Stars, The Salvation Army, Western Territory, Public Relations Department CPM-122604, Stereo, 1968). They still haven't gotten into the descriptive titles yet, but the artwork is almost as good. I assume there are records released each year between the last one and this one, I just haven't dug them up yet. Anybody out there have the missing ones?

1. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Conducted By Rex Koury-Army Of Stars Theme
2. Ingvar Wixell-Valentine's Cavatina (Faust)
3. Maralin Niska, Azusa Pacific College Choir-The Lord's Prayer
4. Jeanette Scovotti-Lord Jesus Christ (The Prayers Of Kierkegaard)
5. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Conducted By Rex Koury-Christmas Medley
6. Jeanette Scovotti-O Had I Jubel's Lyre (Joshua)
7. Army Of Stars Orchestra-Conducted By Rex Koury-Night In Bethlehem
8. Stuart Burrows-Every Valley Shall Be Exalted (Messiah)
9. Raymond Burr With Army Of Stars Orchestra-Christmas Story
10. Azusa Pacific College Choir-Earle Anderson, Director-Westminster Carol

MEGA

Super Saturday Salvation 1

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

Don's Back

Time for a late night remaster, something that I was reminded about by that comp I shared late at night yesterday. This LP is from a branch of the famous Harmonicats, though not the more commercial main group led by Jerry Murad. This off-shoot was led by Don Les, an original member who later split off to go his own way. I believe he's joined on this Christmas album by Mildred Mulcay, one half of another well known harmonica outfit The Mulcays. This album itself was something I shared way back during 2006, my second year of Christmas music sharing here at the blog. I've brought it back time and again since then, probably remastered it a couple of times in the period, but I'm doing it again tonight. Having shared this out for so long, it's got a great deal of nostalgia attached to it now. I remember not liking it very much way back then, but now I'm rather fond of it. This is The Don Les Harmonicats-Christmas With The Don Les Harmonicats (Halo Records HALO 1005, Stereo). This one is so short, I wonder if there are bonus tracks out there anywhere? I'll have to keep digging, but I'm not optimistic. I was able to dig up a couple different covers though. The main difference is a picture of the group on the back of one version. Not sure I've ever shared both versions out before. It's all in the download for you.

1. White Christmas
2. The Christmas Song
3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
4. Jingle Bells
5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
6. Silent Night
7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
8. March Of The Three Kings

MEGA

I Still Can't Spell Marguerite

 What do you know, there was a second Christmas album released by Ms. Piazza at about the same time as the first. I think many of the tracks are the same, but it's a different (though related) label. Looks like maybe about a third of the tracks are unique on each release, so it's certainly worth your while to download both albums. This is Marguerite Piazza-Joys Of Christmas (Halo Records HALO 1009, Stereo, 1977). According to Wikipedia, both her mom and her daughter were named Marguerite, that's a little weird. I know all about family names, but it's not something you commonly see in women. Nothing wrong with it of course, just different.

1. Cantique De Noel
2. We Three Kings
3. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
5. O Come All Ye Faithful
6. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
7. O Christmas Tree
8. What Child Is This
9. Away In A Manger
10. Joy To The World

MEGA