Here they are. Most of these songs have been sung thousands of times and recorded by hundreds of artists. But these are the best of the best, occasionally accompanied by my own personal recollections. For good measure, there’s a Top 5 Christmas albums and movies list, too. Enjoy.
Merry Christmas, 2009 – Travis Atria
You might not know Jerry Granelli by name, but you know his music. It’s been there every December for the past forty-five years, close as an old friend, comfortable as an old blanket. Granelli was the drummer for the Vince Guaraldi Trio, which recorded one of the greatest Christmas albums ever made – A Charlie Brown Christmas.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Since you’ve all been so good, here is Thriller’s second annual Christmas edition spectacular. First up, re-read the Tim and Eric Awesome Interview! about the Chrimbus special, which is available on DVD, and about their movie, which comes out next year.
Next, enjoy once again the interview with Jerry Granelli, who as drummer for the Vince Guaraldi Trio was partially responsible for A Charlie Brown Christmas. The interview covers that classic album as well as Granelli’s illustrious career working with everyone from Lenny Bruce to the Grateful Dead and his current work.
Then, take a gander at the new article – “Why Hasn’t Anyone Made a Good Christmas Album in Forty Years?” That seems self-explanatory.
Finally, send an email to Thrillermag@gmail.com to get a very special Christmas present! (We do not share your email address or send more than two emails per month).
Happy Holidays – Thriller
It’s been forty-five years this month since Sam Cooke was shot dead in a Los Angeles motel.
Erik Greene, Sam Cooke’s great-nephew, recently contacted Thriller about our article on “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and we asked if he had anything he’d like to add. Greene wrote a book called “Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story from His Family’s Perspective,” which is full of the recollections of those who knew him best, as well as some intriguing information on Cooke’s untimely death. Here, Greene shares a few thoughts about his great-uncle:
