Christmas just isn’t Christmas without holiday music. But, I am not talking about the standards, the songs that are over played on the radio and in Big Box stores, which people endure as they scramble around to purchase gifts and prepare for Christmas Day. I am talking about the blues, doo wop, R&B & soul.

This is the kind of music a person should listen to during Christmas The lyrics are honest. The music is also much more spirited and vibrant.

These ten songs are not necessarily the best Christmas songs ever written. These ten songs are just my way of wishing all those, who have read and supported my work throughout the year, a merry Christmas. These ten are a gift, something to lively up your Christmas Day or, for a couple of the songs, provoke a little thought about the meaning of Christmas.

“Presents for Christmas” – Solomon Burke

“Merry Christmas” – Cameos

“Santa Claus Got the Blues” – The Drifters

“Get Down Santa” – The Jive Turkeys

“I’ll Be Your Santa, Baby” – Rufus Thomas

“All Alone on Christmas” – Darlene Love

“Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas” – The Staples Singers

“Christmas (Comes But Once a Year)” – Amos Milburn

“Blues for Christmas” – John Lee Hooker

“Christmas in Vietnam” – Johnny & Jon

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Merry Christmas from The Dissenter