‘Tis the season for the sounds of Christmas!
By Preshias Harris
It’s getting to feel a lot like Christmas… and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! I just couldn’t wait to start setting the Holiday mood, so – ahead of my December column – here is the news you can use to start jingling the bells! Scroll down for Christmas albums from Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldridge, Megan Moroney and Dolly Parton… seasonal singles from George Birge, Mackenzie Carpenter, Randall King, Tori Martin, Hillary Scott, Sophia Scott, Blake Shelton and Bailey Taylor. Plus news about star-studded live Christmas shows at Gaylord Opryland, the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry and more! Keep scrolling!
HOLIDAY ALBUM ROUNDUP
GABBY BARRETT: Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett gives a warm welcome to the holidays with the release of her first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight. Available now, the 11-song collection includes a lovingly curated selection of cherished Christmas carols, time-honored Advent hymns, and joyous songs of celebration — all spotlighting the multi-Platinum star’s unforgettably beautiful talent. Listen hereand check out the adjoining videos.
Carols and Candlelight opens with Barrett’s poignant rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” (written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, and produced by Ross Copperman). Listen here and watch the visualizer. With its poetic contemplation of the relationship between Mary and her son, “Mary, Did You Know?” brings her distinct sensibilities to the modern Christmas classic, blending her bright and soulful vocals with a gorgeously subtle arrangement of pedal steel, piano, strings, and more. Along with showcasing the phenomenal range and nuance of her voice, the slow-burning and richly detailed track makes for a prime introduction to the full-length project’s stellar musicianship.
With its era-spanning mix of Christmastime favorites, Carols and Candlelight also includes standouts like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (for KING & COUNTRY feat. Gabby Barrett) – an exultant Gospel number nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. More at Gabby’s website and updates on social media. #GabbyBarrett
DAN + SHAY: It’s another ‘first’ from Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney (aka Dan + Shay). They have released their first-ever Christmas project, titled It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album (listen/stream/download here) and is available as a CD and a two LP package pressed in opaque red and green vinyl. The vinyl version comes with printed inner sleeves in a two-pocket gatefold jacket. Signed copies of both versions at Dan + Shay’s official website.
The duo surprised fans by announcing the project only 24 hours prior to its release. On Instagram, they stated: “This project has been a decade in the making, and we are so proud of every single note. We truly leaned into our love for the holiday season and think we found some magic in these songs. Our hope is that you are able to enjoy + share that same magic with your loved ones for years to come. As always, thank you for continuing to believe in us and allowing us to live our dreams. We’re grateful for you, and we’re grateful for Christmas!”
The album features 21 songs; ten traditional, well known and widely loved, standards and eleven originals written/co-written by Dan + Shay, including three written solely by Dan Smyers himself. Sharing production duties on the album is the band’s Dan Smyers, and Scott Hendricks. Watch the It’s Officially Christmas music video here. #Dan+Shay
BRETT ELDRIDGE: Third time’s a charm for Brett Eldridge who has released Christmas album number three in time for the 2024 Holiday season. Titled Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), it features eight original seasonal songs, released on his own label, Warm and Cozy Records.
Eldridge released an early appetizer for the album, “Sweet December (feat. Kelly Clarkson).” Play / listen here. About the collaboration, Eldridge said, “After singing ‘Under the Mistletoe’ together, I knew there was no one else in the world I wanted to sing this song with…Kelly’s voice has this soulful retro feeling. I’ve never done a Christmas song in this style, and I really love it.”
Clarkson added, “I’ve been fortunate enough to record songs with Brett, go see him live, and have him on my show! He has one of my favorite voices and I will sing with him anytime, anywhere! I hope people dig ‘Sweet December’ as much as we do!”
As a unique twist, the vinyl edition of the album includes an exclusive board game printed on the inner gatefold and will be available in a website exclusive signed Christmas splatter LP, retail exclusive Evergreen LP, Amazon exclusive red LP and black LP. The signed Christmas splatter LP will only be available to members of the Locals Fan Club, a community for Eldredge fans. Details at Brett Eldridge’s website. #BrettEldridge
MEGAN MORONEY: Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter Megan Moroney kicks off the holiday season with Blue Christmas …duh — a surprise EP featuring two all-new original songs and a heart-melting rendition of the timeless holiday classic “Blue Christmas.” Listen to Blue Christmas …duh here.
With its title nodding to the signature color for Moroney’s blockbuster sophomore album Am I Okay? — a summer 2024 release that marked the year’s third-biggest Billboard 200 debut from a female Country artist — Blue Christmas …duh begins with a glorious bang on “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy.” Written by Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter and Micah Carpenter the hip-swinging anthem serves up a bit of feel-good holiday honky-tonk, laying down hard-thumping rhythms and saloon-style piano melodies as Moroney reveals what’s at the top of her wishlist.
Produced by her frequent collaborator Kristian Bush, Blue Christmas …duh next drifts into the slow-burning ache of “Christmas Morning” — a gorgeous new addition to Country’s time-honored lineage of holiday heartbreak songs. In a breathtaking finale, Blue Christmas …duh closes out with Moroney’s unforgettably lovely cover of “Blue Christmas,” bringing soulful steel-guitar tones and a softly stunning vocal performance to her update of the Billy Hayes/Jay Johnson-penned tune made famous by Elvis Presley. Tour updates and more info at Megan’s website. #MeganMoroney
DOLLY PARTON: International superstar Dolly Parton, one of music’s most influential and successful recording artists of all time, released her third Christmas album in 2020, A Holly Dolly Christmas. A Holly Dolly Christmas (Ultimate Deluxe Edition) was released in 2022 with eight bonus tracks, including “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” originally featured in Parton’s 1986 holiday film of the same name. The expanded collection also has two other songs from the movie: “(I’d Like To Spend) Christmas With Santa” and “Wrapped Up In You.” Listen/play/order A Holly Dolly Christmas (Ultimate Deluxe Edition) here.
A Holly Dolly Christmas debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums when it was originally released in October 2020. The album produced four singles: “Mary, Did You Know?” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Christmas On The Square,” and the top 10 AC hit “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” with Bublé.
“Three Candles” and “The Wish Book” – originally released as digital-only bonus tracks made their CD and LP debuts on the Ultimate Deluxe Edition. The expanded collection also features the digital debut for “Something Bigger Than Me” and “Silent Night,” songs that Parton contributed to the 1997 animated holiday film Anabelle’s Wish. The final bonus track on the Ultimate Deluxe Edition is “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” Parton’s top 5 AC duet with Rod Stewart. More about Dolly at her website.
HOLIDAY SINGLES ROUNDUP
GEORGE BIRGE: RECORDS Nashville artist-songwriter George Birge adds a dash of smoldering Soul to a Christmastime classic with his first holiday release, sharing his take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Listen here. Watch the official video here.
Opening with the gentle strains of acoustic guitar and feathery drums, the Daniel Ross-produced fan-favorite soon builds to include an electric guitar solo and icy steel – a crisp, timeless presentation with a noticeably Country twist. But while it retains its sense of sophisticated comfort, Birge also gifts the glowing track his untamable Texas-meets-Nashville edge. Allowing his dynamic vocal to flicker and soar like a rolling Yule log fire, the hitmaker captures a heartwarming message (penned by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane) in renewed vitality – an ideal seasonal soundtrack for a long-overdue reunion, and the new beginning that’s sure to follow.
Boasting over 114 million streams across his catalog, George Birge hit Top 10 at Country radio with “Cowboy Songs” after supercharging the charts with his first #1 single, “Mind On You.” The addictive hit landed on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 list and is from his debut album, George Birge: Mind On You. Adding in fresh attitude and slow-rolling swagger, Birge tapped charlieonnafriday and Kidd G for a hot-blooded remix of the track. Tour dates and ticket info at George Birge’s website. #GeorgeBirge
MACKENZIE CARPENTER: Country darling Mackenzie Carpenter is adding some cheeky festive flair to her previously released toe-tapper “Boots On” with the release of “Boots On (Santa’s Version),” out today via The Valory Music Co. The acclaimed singer/songwriter is turning her affections to the main man in the red suit this go-around, swapping out those sky blue Luccheses for a festive bright red variety. Accompanied by the jingliest of bells laid against the track, Mackenzie is pulling out all the stops to win the affection of old St. Nick himself – spiked eggnog, mistletoe and the promise of her wrapped like a present underneath the Christmas tree.
Charming and clever, this holiday themed version of “Boots On” is destined to be an irresistible and flirty addition to holiday playlists and parties. Listen to “Boots On (Santa’s Version)” here and watch the lyric video here.
“I’m so excited to kick off the holiday season with ‘Boots On (Santa’s Version)’ – because even Santa has a Country side!” shares Mackenzie. “I loved putting out the original song this summer and thought that spicing it up with some Christmas magic was needed for this time of year. I had so much fun putting a holiday twist on the lyrics and I hope y’all have just as much fun listening to it!” New music from Mackenzie is expected early next year. Info and tour dates here.
RANDALL KING: Following his 18-track sophomore album Into The Neon earlier this year, Warner Music Nashville’s Randall King isn’t making fans wait for new music, offering his Billboard-praised “sturdy baritone” with his new seasonal release, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Listen/save “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” here. Watch the visualizer at YouTube here. It has already been a momentous year for King with his recently-revealed engagement to his girlfriend Brittany Warthan.
The new Christmas release follows King’s take on “Silent Night,” released ahead of last year’s Christmas season. Co-produced by King and Jared Conrad, the track juxtaposes his signature low-pitched vocals with the dancing high chords of the mandolin, and the steady strum of a steel guitar, offering an upbeat tempo on the holiday favorite. View the Randall King “Silent Night” visualizer here.
The album, Into The Neon, also produced by King and Conrad, incorporates a unique blend of the influences from icons and modern masters alike who have inspired King’s sound; inclusive of the timeless ‘80s country twang of George Strait and Keith Whitley, and the blood pumping, Y2K-era rhythms of Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan. King has headlined 130+ shows already in 2024 in addition to his European The Neon – International Tour with sold-out stops in Copenhagen, Denmark, Amsterdam, Netherlands and more. Find tour dates and more at RandallKingMusic.com.
TORI MARTIN: Entertainer Tori Martin rings in the holiday season today with the release of a jazzy new single/video, “Warm For December,” for LuckySky Music. With her signature sultry vocal and a positive lover-to-lover message, this song is a celebration of emotion. Word play matches musical trills as a weeping steel guitar and evokes the comforts of a familiar touch backed by a slow-burning fire. In the video, a bare recording studio with a multitude of string lights allows the camera to focus solely on Martin, dressed in her 1940s cabaret singer-inspired best. “Overall, we wanted this to be low key with a throwback feel,” Tori recalls. “That inspired the video’s retro element as well. We wanted to create a smoky, late night jazz club vibe and I think we succeeded.”
Tori co-wrote the song with hitmakers Bill DiLuigi and Kirsti Manna. The track was produced by LuckySky Music’s Bill Warner and recorded at WarnerWorks Studio. A self-confessed “festive enthusiast,” Martin notes, “I love getting into the spirit early and I hope this song brings listeners much cheer.”
Tori’s most recent single, the upbeat and fun “Lost In The Country,” is currently #2 and rising on the TRRR charts, and she is now on tour with break-out artist Drew Baldridge. #ToriMartin
HILLARY SCOTT: Grammy Award-winner Hillary Scott of Lady A and her eleven-year-old daughter, Eisele Kaye, are ready to bring on the holiday season with their new track “Hard To Wait For Christmas,” a joyous instant holiday classic, available here. Written by Scott, her husband Chris Tyrrell and Eisele Kaye, the idea for the song was sparked by a family conversation about an advent calendar, and how – even for grownups – it’s hard to wait for Christmas. Produced by Scott, Tyrrell and Ryan Gore, the song’s harmony of brassy trombones and hint of jingle bells ignites the Christmas cheer for all ages and reminisces on the many things that make the holiday season so special.
“We hope this song makes families smile and encourages them to laugh and have fun together as they wait patiently (or not!) for Christmas,” shares Scott. “My favorite line from the song is about how it feels better to give than to receive, and if we could say anything about the Christmas season, it is that we hope you have a giving heart.”
The video for “Hard To Wait For Christmas” is available to watch here. With behind the scenes clips from the studio recording the song and their Christmas card photoshoot, the family’s video including twin sisters Emory and Betsy, perfectly captures the season’s wonder and the palpable love that fills the air during the holiday season. #LadyAMusic
SOPHIA SCOTT: Out in time for the season, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Sophia Scott delivers a massive dose of holiday cheer with her brand-new and wildly upbeat rendition of “Winter Wonderland” — go here to listen. Out now via EMPIRE, the Colorado-bred artist’s new double-song release also includes her fan-beloved cover of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” — check it out here.
Produced by Adam Yaron, Scott’s take on “Winter Wonderland” brings a fiery new energy to the Christmas classic penned by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith. In her gloriously fun update of the nearly-century-old tune, Scott sets her powerhouse vocals against a soulful Country-Rock backdrop of rowdy electric guitars, hard-driving drums, and pounding piano melodies. Full of the same bold spirit that fueled her acclaimed 2023 debut album Barstool Confessions, the result is a surefire addition to your holiday-party playlist.
Revealing another dimension of her limitless musicality, Scott’s reimagining of “Last Christmas” arrives just ahead of the 40th anniversary of the premiere of the iconic holiday-heartbreak song written and produced by the late George Michael. Also produced by Yaron (who previously joined forces with Scott on songs like her timeless breakup ballad “Lipstick on You”), “Last Christmas” beautifully showcases her ravishing vocal work as she fully inhabits the song’s mood of bittersweet longing.
BLAKE SHELTON: One of the season’s leading Holiday movies is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Now Blake Shelton has released his cover version of the spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain” that was featured in that comedy-drama movie. The track, released via Warner Music Nashville, was produced by Scott Hendricks and is now available to stream/download on all major digital music services, including Amazon. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was directed by Dallas Jenkins and stars Judy Greer, Pete Holmes and Molly Belle Wright. The movie is based on the bestselling book of the same title by Barbara Robinson is released in theaters nationwide by Lionsgate.
Additionally, Shelton released the single “Texas” on November 15. The fresh and addictive song captures the classic theme of lost love with a twist and nod to George Strait, who knows best where all the exes go! Save/listen/download “Texas” here. “The thing that struck me about ‘Texas’ immediately was how different it sounded for me and I’m always looking to push myself,” said Shelton. “I think there’s something really special about this record and important for me.” Written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr & Lalo Guzman, “Texas” is Shelton’s debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and Wheelhouse Records. The song is produced by Shelton’s longtime, award-winning producer, Scott Hendricks. Tour info and more at BlakeShelton.com. #BlakeShelton
BAILEY TAYLOR: As the holiday season nears, country artist Bailey Taylor adds a little flair with her spin on the soulful Christmas classic, “Silver Bells.” Spicing it up with the whispering opening of vibrant instrumentals accompanied by an echo tone, this song is now available on all digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Originally written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston in 1950 for Paramount Studios, and later recorded by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards, Bailey’s version was produced by Anthony Rankin and opens with dreamy and peaceful instrumentals alongside the whispering notes of the bright country singer’s voice, thoroughly captivating audiences from her first note. Her smooth vocals and contemporary beat bring a fresh take to this seasonal staple, perfect for audiences looking to embrace the spirit of the holidays.
“This song is able to lend itself to so many different versions and genres, making it versatile but yet memorable,” says Bailey. “My family and I have always loved this song and I wanted to put my own take on it while encapsulating the emotions behind this special time of year.”
Bailey and her family also put on their annual ‘A Taylor Family Christmas,’ performing at several theaters and auditoriums back in her home state of Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Tour dates take place throughout the month of December and tickets can be purchased at www.FeelTheLoveOfChristmas.com. #BaileyTaylorMusic
LIVE CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Places to go, things to see, songs to hear this Holiday season…
GAYLORD OPRYLAND: Experience the magic of the season at Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas Dinner Show”, an unforgettable evening of classic and original holiday music plus favorite country hits, paired with a festive meal crafted by our award winning chefs. There are two different sets of shows spread across the pre-Christmas season:
Terri Clark’s “It’s Christmas…Cheers!” (November 23-24 and 27-30; and December 1, 4-6 and 17-22) … and … The Frontmen‘s “Holidays & Hits” (November 25-26 & December 2-3, 14-16, and 23-25) featuring Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas), and Richie McDonald (formerly ofLonestar). Pricing: Starting from $114.99 Adult/$55.99 Child for Dinner & Show; Starting from $ 49.99 All Ages for Show Only (no meal). Seating and ticket details here.
GRAND OLE OPRY: The “Opry Country Christmas” series, presented by Humana, will return to the Grand Ole Opry for its fourth Holiday season with the slogan: “Big stars. 10 Nights. Nonstop Festive Fun.” Create unforgettable memories as the world-famous Opry transforms into a winter wonderland where you’ll enjoy live performances from country stars and special guests. They’ll be singin’ your favorite songs for a memorable night of music and merriment.
Hosted by Larry Gatlin, the series will run from Dec. 1–23 with ten nights of stellar lineups. Among the stars who will be appearing across various nights: Jon Pardi, Lorrie Morgan, Chris Young, The Oak Ridge Boys, Steven Curtis Chapman, Scotty McCreery, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, and more to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now. For more information about the scheduled performance lineups, click here. More about the Grand Ole Opry here.
RYMAN AUDITORIUM: Multi-platinum-selling artists Amy Grant and Vince Gill return to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium in 2024 for their 14th annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The 12-concert run at the Ryman is scheduled for Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 15, 17-18 and 20-21 and will once again feature matinee performances.
For many years, the “Christmas at the Ryman” shows have been the ultimate holiday tradition, with music fans from across the country and around the world flocking to the historic venue to hear two of Nashville’s most cherished performers. Last year, Grant and Gill celebrated their 100th “Christmas at the Ryman” show during their sold-out residency, making them the first artists to headline 100 shows at the Ryman. In years past, the duo has filled the show with Christmas favorites such as “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night,” “Tennessee Christmas,” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Amy Grant’s career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million and over 1 billion global streams. Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Ticket info for all show dates here.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! There are SO many Christmas-themed shows and concerts in Nashville this year, including Nashville’s Nutcracker presented by Nashville Ballet, A Christmas Carol and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (both at TPAC), Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time, the progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (both at Bridgestone Arena) and many more. An easy way to check ‘em all out is to visit the Holiday Concert page at VisitMusicCity.com here.
CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THAT CHRISTMAS MUSIC STUFF?
If the Yuletide tunes played while you shop at the supermarket and the drug store aren’t exactly your cup of eggnog, you can find curated playlists such as Spotify’s Country Christmas Music 2024 here (actually country Christmas songs from the ‘90s, 2000s and today), and Country Christmas (2024) here – also from Spotify – with Holiday hits from Dolly, Taylor, Willie and more. There are numerous curated playlists on Apple Music with everything from “Cozy Country Christmas” to “Modern Country Christmas” and everything in between. Just search: Country Christmas Music on Apple Music 2024 (or similar wording) on your search engine.
DECEMBER’ ‘INSIDE TRACK’ ON THE WAY!
The December 2024 edition of my monthly column, Inside Track on Music Row, will be posted soon and you’ll find it right here!
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris