Elton John

2024 Christmas Music Musts

Every year, about this time, as we head into the holiday season and I flip the Christmas switch to holiday music on my radio program, I like to recommend some Christmas Music MUST’s to you. Songs and albums I think belong on your own personal holiday playlists.

This year there are several tried and true, and some brand new babes, swaddled and waiting to be picked up and played! Read on for this years MUST haves, to find the order links, and even watch a video from each selection.

Merry Christmas everyone, let the Holly Jolly, Ho Ho Ho begin on what would otherwise be a Silent Night! Let’s shake up some happiness together!

for KING + COUNTRY
A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)

for KING + COUNTRY rings in the 2024 holiday season with a live rendering of their beloved Christmas show delivered straight to fans.

A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)” captures the joy, the wonder and the pageantry of the seasonal tour that has become an annual tradition for the duo capped by their signature rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” The brand new recording serves as a companion to Christmas shows in LA, London, New York and Nashville; as well as a Fathom Event that will bring their live spectacle to theaters nationwide Dec. 5-9, 2024.

“Silent Night (Rewrapped)” is especially moving and the first on my list of Christmas Music Musts!

ORDER: A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)”


SIA
”Everyday Is Christmas”

"Everyday Is Christmas" first released in 2017 with a total of 10 original tracks. The album featured songs including "Santa's Coming for Us", "Candy Cane Lane", and "Snowman".

The all original album was written in only two weeks, and since then, “Snowman” has become a Christmas classic with over 1 BILLION streams. It’s since been reissued three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022 with bonus tracks being added each time, bringing the total track list up to a whopping 21 with three different versions of “Snowman.”

It’s simply not Christmas without Sia’s Everyday Is Christmas!

BUY: “Everyday Is Christmas”


 Lindsey Sterling
“Snow Waltz”

Snow Waltz is the second Christmas album by the amazingly talented American violinist and dancer, Lindsey Stirling. It contains a mix of traditional Christmas standards and some refreshing original tracks.

Because Lindsey’s performances are theatrical productions full of dance and beautiful costuming, the first single, “Ice Storm,” was released via YouTube on in August of 2022 and in October, the video for "Snow Waltz", featuring a Halloween theme, was released alongside the album.

While many of the songs may be familiar, Lindsey’s emotive violin arrangements are new and exciting and so very very moving.  Adding “Snow Waltz” to your playlist is therefore a MUST in my book. It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

ORDER: “Snow Waltz”


Dan + Shay
“It’s Officially Christmas :The Double Album”

Proven global superstars and 3x Grammy Award winners, Dan + Shay excitedly announced their very first Christmas album this year, and surprise, it’s a DOUBLE album!

“It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album” is a 21-song 2-LP colored vinyl/CD collection of brand new originals and their takes on classics that you already know and love. The project was a whole a decade in the making, and they are so proud of every single note. They truly leaned into our love for the holiday season and found some magic in the songs.

Dan + Shay’s hope is that you are able to enjoy + share that same magic with your loved ones for years to come. It’s mine too!

ORDER: “It’s Officially Christmas :The Double Album”


 Walker Hayes
“Christmas Vacation”

Walker Hayes' Christmas EP, “Christmas Vacation,” was just released November 1st! It contains 5 tracks in all, “Fancy Like Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Christmas Vacation”, “Come On Christmas”, and “Let It Be Christmas”.

Walker is the charming, affable, family-oriented country singer-songwriter who had a number one hit with "Fancy Like" in 2021 and then the remake, “Fancy Like Christmas” in 2023. “Country Stuff: The Album” was released in 2022, which reached number two on Billboard's Top Country Albums. Walker joined me on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE, last year to talk about his Christmas hit and share all kinds of wonderful tidbits about his life with his wife, Laney and his seven children!

Be watching for Walker in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, on Thursday, November 28 and later in December for his guest appearance on The TODAY Show!

ORDER: “Christmas Vacation”


Elton John
”Step Into Christmas”

Just in time for the holidays, Elton’s classic "Step Into Christmas" is released for the first time on colored 10” vinyl. Originally released in 1973 it was intended as an audible holiday card for his fans following his record-breaking album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

This limited edition features "Ho Ho Ho (Who’d Be A Turkey At Christmas)" as well as 3 bonus tracks - “All Quiet On The Western Front”, “Cold As Christmas”, and, for the first time on record, "Calling It Christmas" by Elton and Joss Stone. It’s being pressed on festive red vinyl, adding that much more holiday magic to your Christmas playlist!

“Step Into Christmas” has become an essential part of the Christmas music canon, and its cheerful and festive spirit continues to delight audiences during the holiday season.

ORDER: “Step Into Christmas”

 


Jimmy Fallon
”Holiday Seasoning”

Late night host, friend to all, Jimmy Fallon, has announced a holiday comedy album, "Holiday Seasoning",  a collection of all original songs with collaborations from the biggest superstars on the (snow) globe! Coming down your chimneys on November 1. 

Following his recent Christmas hits, “Almost Too Early For Christmas,” with Dolly Parton and “It Was A…(Masked Christmas),” with Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion, Jimmy took the 2023 holiday season by storm with his hit single “Wrap Me Up” with Meghan Trainor! To date, these have received over 70 million combined global streams and counting!

This year he’s spicing up our holiday playlists by adding 13 more tracks, teaming up with The Jonas Brothers, The Roots, Justin Timberlake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Will Ferrell, Chelsea Handler and Cara Delevingne on a number of new great holiday tunes! This is the album you didn't know you were waiting for, but now can't wait to sink your teeth into!  

The exclusive CD will come with a signed insert, the standard LP is a custom Peppermint Swirl vinyl, and there will be a deluxe LP package with Blizzard vinyl that will include a sticker sheet, a holiday table topper, and a pop-up vinyl gatefold. Target will also sell an exclusive edition of the LP in Ruby Red vinyl. This is a MUST!

ORDER: “Holiday Seasoning”



Train
“Christmas in Tahoe”

“Christmas in Tahoe” is the only Christmas album by the rock group Train, fronted by the charismatic Pat Monahan. It’s been a perennial favorite of my since it’s release in 2015.

Featuring renditions of twelve traditional Christmas songs and three originals written by the band, “Shake Up Christmas”, one of the originals, rates high on my list! It is so joyously infectious, it certainly shakes up some happiness! That’s why “Christmas in Tahoe “is most definitely a MUST each and every holiday season!

Also, in 2021, (when the world needed some happiness) the Hallmark Channel aired a film, “Christmas in Tahoe”, based on the album. Pat Monahan of Train co-starred and was also executive producer on the film!

ORDER: “Christmas in Tahoe”

2022 Merry Music Musts!

It’s THAT TIME again! The time I’ve been waiting for all year long… Time for Christmas music all day, every day!

Nothing makes me quite as giddy as the day we flip the switch to all-Christmas programming, it comes after weeks of planning and preparation and we do it because we want to sprinkle the magic of Christmas music over some part of each and every day.

Maybe it helps to put you in a festive mood as you leave the office and head home each day, or perhaps it gets you into a holiday cookie baking spirit. Hopefully too, it helps you to remember the reason for the season.

Along with the massive collection of holiday favorites we’ll be playing over the airwaves, I’ve got a few recommendations for your personal playlists. Here’s my ‘Merry Music Musts’ for 2022:

SIA: Everyday Is Christmas

I wont stop telling you about Sia’s “Everyday Is Christmas,” until each of you have added it to your holiday music collection!

It’s a fun, whimsical album, chock-full of original music like the mega-hit “Snowman” which has over 980 million streams and is on it’s way to becoming one of the biggest holiday songs of all time! This year “Everyday is Christmas” is available for the first time on vinyl, with an Amazon exclusive Snowman White vinyl and the 5 year anniversary Deluxe album available on 11/11/22.

If I had it my way, everyday would be Christmas.

Pick up (one or more copies of) the Deluxe Edition of Everyday Is Christmas


REBA McENTIRE: The Ultimate Christmas Collection

Brand new to the Christmas music scene this year is Reba McEntire’s just released, "The Ultimate Christmas Collection”! It’s comprised of top picks from her previous Christmas releases and includes the stirring track “I Needed Christmas,” featured in the Lifetime movie “Reba McEntire’s Christmas In Tune.”

Says Reba:

“I’m excited to share this newly packaged collection of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. It was so hard to narrow down to just twelve songs, but I hope my fans enjoy this journey through time!”

I love me some Reba, and her Ultimate Christmas Collection is going to help me get through my to-do list and yours too - promise!

Get The Ultimate Christmas Collection and add it to your collection!


LAUREN DAIGLE: Behold

“Behold” by Lauren Daigle is another LP that you definitely want to get your hands on.

Lauren has a uniquely beautiful voice, and a spirit to match! She’s as delightful and she is talented, and it all comes through on the 13 tracks that make up “Behold” which also brings the reason for the season to the front of the line!

Her super fun version of “Jingle Bells” is also fabulous gift-wrapping music that I, for one, will be employing in the wee hours of Christmas morn!

Treat yourself and fill a few stockings with Behold


PENTATONIX: Holidays Around the World

Pentatonix, our favorite pop acapella group, has done it again! They’ve just released their 6th full studio Christmas album, “Holidays Around the World” and the world is going ga-ga over it!

It contains 12 tracks including  "Kid On Christmas" , ft Meghan Trainor, the new original track, "Star on Top" , "Love Came on Christmas (Joy To The World x Kumama Papa)" ft Grace Lokwa, "Last Christmas" ft  HIKAKIN & SEIKIN and the oh-so-needed"Prayers for This World".

You don’t just want it, you NEED Holidays Around the World


BACKSTREET BOYS: A Very Backstreet Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like a very Backstreet Christmas! The Backstreet Boys’ very first Christmas album ever is out now! “A Very Backstreet Christmas” brings the holiday cheer!

 It features numerous timeless holiday classics including “White Christmas”, “Silent Night”, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Last Christmas,” The album also features three all new original holiday songs “Christmas In New York,” “Together,” and “Happy Days.”  Exclusive formats include a 15-track CD at Target which includes two bonus tracks “Feliz Navidad” and “It’s Christmas Time Again” and limited edition red-vinyl on the group’s official store.

Backstreet Boys will continue to spread holiday cheer this year with more exciting gifts and surprises for fans in the coming weeks. In December, they will perform at five iHeart Radio Jingle Balls in major cities such as Detroit, New York City, Boston, Tampa and Miami. Stay tuned for more Christmas surprises from Backstreet Boys soon!

“A Very Backstreet Christmas” is the addition to your Christmas catalog you didn’t even know you needed, and now you can’t do without!

It’s A Very Backstreet Christmas this year!


KELLY CLARKSON: When Christmas Comes Around

Kelly Clarkson is the first artist ever to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country, and dance charts. And there's a sampling of each of those genre's in her holiday album, “When Christmas Comes Around.

Featuring many Christmas classics, the album also includes original co-penned tracks and duets with Chris Stapleton,and Brett Eldredge. I love the fun breakup power anthem, “Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You)”, and the soaring duet with Ariana Grande, " Santa, Can’t You Hear Me”. It also includes previously released singles "Christmas Eve", "All I Want for Christmas Is You", and "Under the Mistletoe", as bonus tracks.

Don’t wait, download it today! When Christmas Comes Around


ED SHEERAN & ELTON JOHN: Merry Christmas

Know what doesn’t happen every day? Ed Sheeran and Elton John collaborations, but it did last year when they released the oh-so-holly-jolly single “Merry Christmas”!

This marked Ed Sheeran’s first Christmas recording and only the second for Elton John. They pulled out all the stops, and made this over-the-top everything Christmas the merriest it could possibly be.

Hang up the mistletoe, put up the tree, light the yule log,
and get yourself a copy of Merry Christmas


ROB THOMAS: Something About Christmas Time

Rob Thomas released his first Christmas album last year and I’ve been waiting for months to be able to start playing Something About Christmas Timeonce again.

It is a beautiful mix of the new, like “Small Town Christmas”, the old, with covers of Bryan Adams and Ray Charles recordings, and some really lovely collaborations with friends.

Here's a link to help you on your way: Something About Christmas Time

Christmas comes but once a year, and I want THIS year to be the most joyful of them all! If, like me, more “stuff” is something you can do without, get yourself and your friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone else on your list the gift of music instead.

I hope my ‘Merry Music Musts’ list helps you choose a few gems!





Celebrate Dad | My Top-Pick Father's Day Gifts

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Shop my top picks for Dad's Day gifts and enter to Win-A-Bundle for the special dad in your life!

Dads are special peeps. They are the ones who who watched and waited anxiously for our arrival. Who paced the floor with us at night, taught us how to hold a hammer, taught themselves how to brush and braid long hair. They picked up and dropped off and yelled themselves hoarse on the sideline. They set examples and loved with all their hearts.

Their day is coming up on Sunday, June 17. It's time to celebrate dads! Just as I did last month for Mother's Day, I've chosen some books, music, candy and cards from some of my favorite radio sponsors to recommend as gifts.  And, just as I did last month...

I'm giving away two (2) bundles of everything you see on this page! Read on for directions to enter my Win-A-Bundle Sweepstakes! 

BOOKS!

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From William W. Johnstone, bestselling western writer in the world:

THE LEGEND OF PERLEY GATES
by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone

The first book in the fiery saga of Perley Gates, a legend born out of the brutality and violence of the American West. Perley is a restless young dreamer who, like his famous grandfather and namesake Perley Gates--a hell-raising mountain man with a heavenly name--wants adventure, excitement, and freedom.

THE CHUCKWAGON TRAIL 
by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone

The introductory book in a series featuring a heroic chuckwagon cook who knows just what to do when cowboys get hungry—for revenge. 

RATTLESNAKE WELLS, WYOMING
by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone

The first story in a series about the West’s most dangerous boomtown, and the reformed outlaw who risks his life to keep it safe…

 Buy William W. Johnstone Books

God’s Gift For Fathers
by Jack Countryman

God strengthens fathers. He promises to walk alongside His sons as they raise future generations. With a modern design, and timeless content, God’s Gift For Fathers is a classic in the making. 

Buy God's Gift For Fathers

 

MUSIC!

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The Rest of Our Life
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

An autographed CD from country power couple, including the smash hit, Humble and Kind. As in life, Tim and Faith's meld together perfectly on the CD of duets; a collaboration of true love and perfect harmony.  

On a side note, Tim has recorded Humble and Kind in Spanish, allowing this important message to be heard everywhere: Listen Now: Nunca Te Olvides De Amar.

Buy The Rest of Our Life

I Knew You When
Bob Seger

You let me know how much you loved Bob Seger when I shared his video I Knew You When on Facebook.  That was the first track from his latest album of the same name; a tribute to his friend and Eagles front-man, Glenn Frey. Honoring love and friendship, it's the perfect selection for my bundle.

Buy I Knew You When

Revamp & Restoration
Elton John tribute albums

Some of the world’s biggest pop, rock and country artists are celebrating Elton John’s most beloved and legendary catalogue of hits with two albums Revamp (Island Records) and Restoration (Universal Music Group Nashville) out today.

With Mary J. Blige, Alessia Cara, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Florence And The Machine, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Don Henley, The Killers, Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, Mumford and Sons, Willie Nelson, P!nk and Logic, Q-Tip ft., Queens of the Stone Age, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Chris Stapleton, and More!

Buy Revamp & Restoration

CANDY & GIFT CARDS

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Almond ROCA (includes a handsome hand crafted wooden gift box)
from Famous Candy Makers, Brown & Haley

Around since 1913, Almond ROCA is steadfastly remains a favorite candy of many - including me! Made from only the freshest ingredients, the combination of crunchy toffee enrobed in chocolate and coated in almond nuggets... it's an unmistakable Brown & Haley specialty. Appeal to Dad's sweet side, maybe he'll share!

Visit Brown & Haley

$50 Gift Card
from The Home Depot 

Most weekends, you'll find me wandering the aisles of The Home Depot. Whether Dad's interest is in gardening, grilling, or garage "sports", he'll find all he needs at The Home Depot!

Visit The Home Depot

I've got two (2) bundles all packed up and ready to ship out to two lucky dads. Are you thinking of a deserving man?

Write to me at Contest@Delilah.com and share a story of a great dad! 
I need your entries by next Thursday, June 14. 
The two winners will be chosen at random.