Released around one of the darkest moments in U.S. History, “White Christmas” was written by Irving Berlin to evoke visions of past holidays, but it was not as upbeat and pop-oriented as its musical counterparts.
The original Best Song Oscar in 1943 was earned by composer and songwriter Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby, who starred in the film Holiday Inn. This film later used the song “White Christmas,” which was originally written by Berlin for a Broadway revue that never happened.
Reversed
According to Jody Rosen, author of “White Christmas: The Story of an American Song,” released in 2007, Berlin may have been responding to his sorrow over his son’s passing when he composed the song, revealing a hidden emotional aspect.
According to Linda Emmet, Berlin’s daughter and co-editor of “The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin,” in a 2000 interview, it is possible that “White Christmas” was Berlin’s way of dealing with the grief he felt after his son’s death many years before. The interview was most likely conducted in 1938 or 1939.
The Christmas card, with its sleigh bells and snowy scene, evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and is completely secular. Emmet describes it as very evocative, and the song behind it also suggests a deeper meaning associated with the holiday season.
Just like the ones I used to know, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. Where children listen to sleigh bells in the snow and treetops glisten.
“The film ‘White Christmas’ at the Holiday Inn was expected to be a success, unlike the movie ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business,’ which was written by Irving Berlin, the man who also wrote ‘God Bless America’.”
Berlin mentioned in a conversation with BBC subsequent to the debut of the movie, “However, I additionally included a composition named ‘White Christmas’ in it. Furthermore, it achieved moderate success. Moreover, that specific composition is the one I endorsed as a publisher. Additionally, that is the melody I selected as the major triumph. On Valentine’s Day, I contributed a track titled ‘Be Careful, It’s My Heart’.”
Vera-Ellen, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Bing Crosby all starred in the same film, which became an even bigger hit, maintaining its momentum as “White Christmas” in the following years.
In order to ensure its durability, Crosby subsequently performed the song alongside the John Scott Trotter Orchestra and the Ken Darby Singers in a span of 18 minutes on May 29, 1942. However, the original radio recording from The Kraft Music Hall show was misplaced, and a version from 1942 became worn over time.
Throughout the years, while making USO appearances, Crosby was repeatedly asked by troops to perform “White Christmas,” which often made him feel frustrated. For American soldiers spending Christmas abroad during World War II, the song became extremely popular and was frequently played on the Armed Forces Radio.
Crosby expressed, “It saddened them that it evoked such a wistful longing among the gentlemen, as I had reservations about proceeding with it.” “I didn’t travel this distance to bring them sadness, indeed. However, these individuals demanded it persistently, hence I made multiple attempts to eliminate it from the performance.”
I hope for a snowy Christmas as I write Christmas cards. May all your Christmas days be filled with brightness and joy, just like a white Christmas.
“It would greatly impact them, and coincidentally, it happened to be that particular time of the year. Additionally, they would listen to this song, as a large number of young individuals were absent during the war years. It possesses a somewhat sentimental and reminiscent quality. Every time I would perform this song, they would all shed tears, express their desire for it, and passionately request it in the battlefield for soldiers stationed in Europe. I had the opportunity to sing it numerous times,” Crosby shared.
“To date, one of the most covered songs of all time is “White Christmas” by everyone from Jessie J and Lady Gaga to Bette Midler and Karen Carpenter, and from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley.”
Guinness World Records states that “White Christmas” holds the record for being the highest-selling individual track, with a staggering 50 million copies sold. Additionally, it is the most popular Christmas song of all time. This song has endured the trials of numerous Christmas seasons, spanning a remarkable 80 years since Crosby’s inaugural performance, solidifying its status as an enduring and cherished holiday masterpiece.