Popular songs are often associated with the vocalists that made them famous but few artists actually have the distinction of having a "theme" song along the lines of
Bob Hope
with
"Thanks for the Memories."
Even fewer can claim to have two theme songs attached to them and
Andy Williams
is one of those fortunate stars. After
"Moon River"
became forever linked to
Williams
, he recorded a holiday song for his first Christmas album that gave him a yuletide hit and theme song.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
was the right song at the right time for
when he began to perform it on his highly successful NBC Christmas specials that featured the whole Williams clan. Both the song and the television specials were so memorable, it wasn't long before
was crowned "Mr. Christmas." Of course having a full album of wonderful holiday songs perfectly performed doesn't hurt either and the
Andy Williams Christmas Album
was an instant hit when released in 1963 and has since become a traditional classic. Along with
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,"
cheerfully celebrates with the spirited medley
"Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season"
and is at his playful best on the irresistibly raucous
"Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells."
He also wraps his voice around chestnuts like
"White Christmas"
and
"The Christmas Song"
with all the warmth of a favorite blanket, while a soaring version of
"O Holy Night"
is both enchanting and moving. His tender reading of the lesser-known
"Sweet Little Jesus Boy"
is as beautiful and serene as a crystal clear winter's night, but it is the instantly catchy opening line of
that people remember the most. It is a fitting theme song not only for
Andy "Mr.Christmas" Williams
, but for the season as well and a sparkling highlight from a classic holiday album. ~ Aaron Latham