Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis

Pros: Strong vocals, new words on two songs
Cons: "The First Noel"

I have a running "argument" with a friend. She insists that Bing Crosby is the voice of Christmas while I stand behind Johnny Mathis. While I freely confess that I have Crosby's "White Christmas" and love it, this is still one of the first CD's I pull ...

Pros: *Wonderful voice
*Great traditional songs
*Orchestra
Cons: *Background singers sometimes sing over Mr. Mathis

While country music is my preferred music, I also do like oldies and have always loved the sound of Johnny Mathis’s voice. While looking for another Alan Jackson CD I spotted Merry Christmas Johnny Mathis and knew my hubby would enjoy ...

Pros: Gorgeous vocals and sweet memories
Cons: Percy Faith Singers are a trifle overbearing

The music industry almost had to create a new Christmas music category for Johnny Mathis. Ranked by Billboard as the 8th highest charted album artist from 1955-1995, Mathis released a number of well received Christmas albums in the 1950s and...

Pros: The best collection of Christmas songs, sung by one of the finest singers in America.
Cons: Recorded 46 years ago, the age might be a turn off to younger listeners.

Johnny Mathis has made over a dozen Christmas albums in the last 6 decades. I listened to parts of most of them online. Of all of them, Merry Christmas - Johnny Mathis remains my favorite.

My mother bought this album when it was new. Johnny Mathis was at the height of his popularity. She played it every year when I was a child. Beyond the nostalgia, Johnny's voice is clear and lively. As much as I tried to love the other albums, I really enjoy the collection of songs chosen for this album. Sleigh Ride, Silver Bells and O Holy Night really stand out.

The reason it is still possible to buy this album after 46 years is that Johnny Mathis does a masterful job of singing traditional Christmas songs.