The story of two star-crossed lovers.

Since February is the month of love, we’re throwing it back to reminisce on our beloved 2019 album Lovers & Love Songs. But this isn’t just any old romance album; it’s a story, a journey into the colliding lives of two star-crossed lovers. So, put on your heart-eyed glasses, grab your popcorn and a glass of your favorite red wine, and join us on a trip down memory lane. We will go on an adventure through all the stages of love, contemplate the power of love and ultimately leave you to draw your own interpretations. Let’s go!

Wait, before we begin our journey, let me give you a little backstory behind the conception album itself. Following two sold out concerts in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, NiA Managing Director/Producer Kathy Salem encouraged the WJ3 All-Stars to take their performances to the next level in a studio album. The band members excitedly agreed, which led to a deeply nourishing, fulfilling and generative collaboration. Pianist Donald Vega said that it was his first time playing with the band and it was such fun! Saxophonist Ralph Moore said, “It’s one of the best recordings I have made in the past ten years.”

Not only are the WJ3 All-Stars composed of several of the jazz industry’s top musicians, but they also excel in storytelling through music. Like I said earlier, Lovers & Love Songs tells the story of two people in love, which creates a level of depth, emotional intensity and resonance that you can feel in every song. Okay then, so let’s begin our journey . . .

I’ve Never Been in Love Before – WJ3 All-Stars

Every romance begins with a protagonist, and ours is Roberta. A vivid woman in the modern age, Roberta feels like she’s unlucky in love and has never really been in love before. While you listen to the first song on the album, imagine Roberta sitting alone at a diner that boasts “the best food in the middle of nowhere.” Roberta watches the steam curl up from her mug of coffee, like the curling musical notes of the saxophone playing on the nearby jukebox. She is contemplating her life, and her lack of love.

First Time I Saw Your Face – WJ3 All-Stars

Oh, but wait! Roberta remembers that she has indeed been in love before. She remembers the first time she saw her old flame’s face. Colin. Yes, Colin. How could she forget about him? Well, because it never worked out with Colin. Even though, deep down, Roberta felt that Colin loved her just as much as she loved him, she had gotten tired of waiting around for him to make a commitment to her.

Cry Me A River – WJ3 All-Stars

Oh yes, Colin had issues with commitment. He was from out west after all, Roberta thought. Maybe he was just too trendy for commitment? But whatever, Roberta simply felt like she couldn’t forgive that night, many years ago, when Colin left her stranded at the Cry Me A River Hotel. After a lovely weekend getaway together, Roberta had woken up in their luxurious bed and rolled over to find the spot next to her empty. Empty? Where had Colin gone? Without saying goodbye? She stood up and found a note on the table. I love you, it said. But I can’t do this, I’m not ready, and I’ll never be good enough for you anyway. Goodbye, Colin. That was the last time Roberta had seen Colin but not a moment had passed that she hadn’t been thinking about him.

Here’s That Rainy Day – WJ3 All-Stars

Roberta returned from her reveries to sipping her coffee in the diner. Rain began to drizzle and splash outside the window next to her. Of course, Roberta thought. Of course it’s going to start to rain now. The weather accurately represented her gloomy mood. But then there was a “ping!” and her phone vibrated. Who could it be? Roberta looked at the screen. It was a call from a number she didn’t recognize. She answered anyway. “Roberta!” the voice said on the other end. It was Colin. How did he know that she had just been thinking about him?

From This Moment On – WJ3 All-Stars

“Roberta,” Colin said. “How have you been?” Roberta and Colin caught up on their lives, what had happened in the past few years. It was nice enough but Roberta was impatient for the conversation to become more serious. She wanted to know why he was calling. What were his motivations?

Finally, Colin said, “Listen, Roberta. I made a mistake all those years ago. I shouldn’t have left you. It pains me now to think about how terrible that must’ve made you feel. I was so incredibly stupid back then, so stupid and so young. I didn’t know what I wanted. Hell, I didn’t even know who I was back then. I was still finding myself, and I know that’s not an excuse to treat someone the way I treated you, but it’s just the truth. I was confused and immature, but not anymore. I know exactly who I am now. I know what I want; all I’ve ever wanted–it’s to love and be loved by you. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about you. From this moment on I want to do everything in my power to get you back. Will you meet me?”

Roberta was too shocked for words. There were tears dripping down her cheeks and her heart was pounding but she couldn’t speak. All the memories of their relationship flooded back: picnics at the park, holding hands, kissing each other’s noses. She loved him and he loved her. She was euphoric, jubilant, on top of the world. For years she had wished, yearned, even pleaded to God for a moment like this. But then the initial joy was undercut by doubt. Now that this moment was here she feared that it felt almost too good to be true. Could she really trust Colin again? Was what he said true? Should she really go and meet him?

Well, that’s all for now folks! I apologize for leaving you on a cliffhanger, but we wanted to leave the ending open to your own interpretations. So what do you think? While you listen to Lovers & Love Songs, why don’t you daydream, imagine a bit. If this was your story to finish, what happened to Roberta and Colin?

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means–time to sidle up to your sweetheart and enjoy some heart eyes and heart-filled moments together! Whether you’re planning on staying home and getting cozy on the couch with some chocolates and a good rom-com, or you’re going out for some fine wine and dining at a fancy white tablecloth restaurant, Night is Alive has got some music to help you set the mood!

It’s You or No One – Harry Allen Trio

Amid the chaotic hecticness of our jam-packed lives, it can be hard to find the time to really settle down, relax and enjoy the company of our significant other. If you’ve been with your partner for a long time it might even become harder to appreciate them over the years. It’s easy for someone to become just another part of your routine, rather than a special person who you really cherish. Valentine’s Day gives you an opportunity to experience gratitude for that person who is always there for you, right by your side. Let yourself sink into this song, from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, while you and your lover embrace each other.

First Time I Saw Your Face – WJ3 All-Stars

How much fun is it to reminisce back on when you first met your special someone? Those early butterflies, blushes, stolen glances and first date jitters were really special. This song, from Night is Alive’s album Lover and Love Songs will help you to look back in time and unlock those early sweet memories. Let the smooth saxophone ease you while you bask in the bliss of nostalgia as you remember the first time you saw your lover’s face.

Whenever You Come Around – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Others

Maybe you just recently started dating someone new. Maybe you’re still in that sweet honeymoon stage and every time that special someone comes around you just can’t help but feel weak in the knees and overwhelmed. A new crush or relationship is such an exciting time, and this jazzy rendition of Vince Gill’s 1994 hit will be sure to help you enjoy every moment of it!

Taking a Chance on Love – WJ3 All-Stars

Love can be really risky and scary sometimes, and it might even make you wonder if it’s all worth it. Maybe you’re in a long-distance relationship, or going through a rough patch, but to get through it, you need to trust that you won’t regret taking a chance on love. This lovely little tune, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, will help you to remember that love is worth the risk.

 Can’t Hide Love – Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman

No matter what you’re doing this Valentine’s Day, we at Night is Alive wish you the very best and hope that you find love. Love exists everywhere, in the cracks and crevices of daily life, in the smiles and nods with acquaintances and strangers, the hugs with friends and family, the petting of a beloved dog or cat. Squeeze your lover’s hand extra tight while you listen to the soaring vocals of Camille Thurman. This song celebrates love in all shapes and forms!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Safa Pourtavakkoli on Unsplash

Music for the Cynical, Broken-Hearted and Blissfully Single

While the rest of the world is drowning in overpriced roses, sickly sweet chocolates and the suffocating scent of manufactured sentiment, some of us prefer our February 14th to be a bit grittier, with a side of minor chords and a healthy dose of reality. Whether you’re currently nursing a bruised ego, recovering from a recent ghosting, or raising a glass to your own hard-won independence, jazz can offer a sanctuary for the un-coupled. It’s the music of the midnight rain and the solitary streetlamp—a genre that understands “love” doesn’t always have to be a Broadway finale; sometimes, it can be a moody trumpet solo in a dimly lit room.

Here is a curated look at the sounds that trade saccharine sweet for smoke and soul. May these songs help you to celebrate your own “Anti-Valentine’s Day” this year.

Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others

Has your latest fling moved on and found someone new? That rejection is going to sting. But this song, from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, will at least help you to know that you’re not alone. As Crystal Gayle sang in 1977, many people go through this experience, and guess what? They all recover from it. You’ve found someone new and / Don’t it make my brown eyes blue.

Kathy’s Blues – Harry Allen Trio

Having the blues doesn’t necessarily have to be downtrodden and sad. It can be nice and cathartic to luxuriate in the deeper swings, the lower notes, of life. This tune, from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3 captures the hues and resonances of the blues. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and bask in Rossano Sportiello’s intricate piano and Harry Allen’s unforgettable saxophone. This is love too; self-love.

Free – Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman

Being single doesn’t mean being alone, it means being free. This is an important message to remember. From nothingness comes infinite possibilities. There are so many places you can go, things you can do, life to live and goals to accomplish. Without a partner you don’t have to factor anyone else into your decisions. You are free to do exactly as you please! Embrace this freedom with this lovely song from the hot new album Radiance.

Recluse – Lorca Hart Trio

Do you ever want to be completely alone, veg out on the couch with a facemask and hot tea and watch your favorite movie? Well, guess what, this “Anti-Valentine’s Day” you can do just that! You don’t have to answer to anyone, and you don’t have to be anywhere, so use the time to get some rest and relaxation. You deserve it! And while you’re at it, listen to this song, from Night is Alive’s album, which celebrates the joys of reclusivity.

Looking Back – Bill Cunliffe, Martin Wind, Tim Horner

Looking back and reflecting on your life, isn’t it wonderful to realize that you’re not stuck in one of your past relationships? Wouldn’t you rather be single than forcing something with someone that wasn’t right for you? It’s important to take time to look back and recognize how far you’ve come, and this song, from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, provides the perfect backdrop for such ruminations.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Get your buffalo chicken dip, cold beer and good friends ready because Superbowl Sunday is coming up soon! Whether you’re rooting for the Patriots or the Seahawks, it’s sure to be a good time. Or maybe you’re not even the biggest football fan and you just enjoy spending time with loved ones and watching the extravagant commercials. No matter, wherever you stand, Night is Alive has some tunes to get you excited! Who ever said that jazz and football can’t go together? 

Whenever You Come Around – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino and others

At first, football and jazz seem to be an unlikely pair, just like country and jazz. But alas, this song, from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin in My Whiskey shows that the two genres can indeed be put together to create something new and sensational. Now let’s raise our beers and cheers!

Sideshow – Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr. 

Do you know who is performing at the halftime show this year? Yes, that’s right–it’s going to be Puerto Rican rapper and singer, Bad Bunny! Who knows, maybe the sideshow will even outshine the main show? Listen to this song, from Night is Alive’s album Radiance to get pumped for the sideshow that is sure to be memorable. 

Runnin’ Wild – Harry Allen Trio 

Cheer on your favorite players this Sunday as they go running wild on the field! Wait, what was that? Another touchdown? Whoo! Let this song carry your team another ten yards down the field. From Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, this tune has all the frenetic energy of Superbowl Sunday. 

Wave – WJ3 All-Stars 

Are the audience members doing the wave in the stands? Do they have foam fingers? Other fun spirit wear? Even if you’re not the biggest sports fan, it can still be fun to embrace the community of a gameday. Tailgating is a beloved tradition that brings people together and rallies them for the same team, which celebrates friendly competition. Enjoy this song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship to get you into the tailgating spirit. 

Jitterbug Waltz – WJ3 All-Stars

Touchdown!! And with those last six points, the 2026 Superbowl comes to a close. Are you happy with the winning time? How did your fantasy league perform? No matter the outcome, be sure to shake the hand of the other team and celebrate the day with this upbeat tune from Night is Alive’s album Lovers and Love Songs.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Paolo Aldrighetti on Unsplash

Alright, so it’s a few weeks into 2026. How are your New Year’s resolutions going? I bet it was easy at first–you were excited and motivated to start working towards those goals–whether they be saving money, exercising more, eating healthy or going to sleep earlier. But it can be hard to be consistent and continue to show up every day after the initial spark of energy fades. To help out, Night is Alive has got you covered with a lively playlist that’ll put an extra pep in your step and give you the motivation you need to stick to those resolutions!

Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman – All This Love

To stick to a goal it’s important to remember why exactly you set the goal in the first place. Whether it is running a marathon or keeping a gratitude journal, think about the reasons you set the goal in the first place. Do you want to be healthier and more physically fit? Do you want to be more gracious and present in the moment? Your goals should come from a place of love. Listen to this song, from the hot new album Radiance, to help you feel all the love that went into the goals you set for yourself!

Harry Allen Trio – Runnin’ Wild

Now that you’re feeling the love and motivation behind your New Year’s resolutions, it’s time to run a bit wild! Go for it! Let this tune, from NiA’s album It Takes 3, give you the extra burst of energy you need to push yourself to that next step, that next level. Let Harry Allen’s groovy, fast-paced saxophone spur you on as you go that extra mile for yourself. 

Lorca Hart Trio – Like This

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions is a matter of showing up for yourself; of being there when you said you would be. It’s about follow-through and commitment, diligence and perseverance. But it’s also about Inspiration & Gratitude, which lucky for you is the name of one of NiA’s albums! Listen to this upbeat song, from the Lorca Hart Trio, to fill yourself with a deep sense of positivity that’ll guide you along your journey.

WJ3 All-Stars – I Should Care

If anyone tries to belittle or delegitimize your New Year’s resolutions, you tell them off! It’s so easy to put someone down, but staying steadfast in your goals is much harder. Like this song, from our album My Ship, captures, you should care about your goals for self-improvement and self-betterment, because if you don’t care then no one else is going to care.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen and others – Imagination

Imagine yourself at the end of 2026, smiling and triumphant in your resolutions. You ran that marathon! You became a vegan! You finally paid off your car! It is very motivating to use your imagination to visualize your success because by visualizing your achievements you can manifest them in real life. So, while you listen to this smooth song, from our album Call Me Irresponsible, let yourself drift off into dreamland.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by carolyn christine on Unsplash

The gym can be pretty crowded at this time of year, but don’t let that dissuade you from pursuing and achieving your 2026 fitness goals! Instead of getting irritated by the crowds at the gym, try to harness that extra energy and buzz into your workout. When your spring beach vacation rolls around, you’ll sure be glad you put in the sweat this January. To help you stay motivated and pumped up, Night is Alive has put together a slamming playlist!

John Di Martino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery and others – 2 Degrees East 3 Degrees West

Before you get into your workout, remember it’s important to stretch first. Stretching increases flexibility and mobility, which is important in preventing injuries. Although it can take some patience to stretch when all you really want is to get into the heat, trust us, it will be well worth the wait. Melt into this smooth tune, from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue, as you sink into each stretch. Can you push yourself just a few degrees deeper?

Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr. – The In Crowd

Let’s kick things off with this smashing tune from the hot new album Radiance. Let the fast tempo guide your movements–you might even want to aim for one rep every beat of the song. Can you get that speed? You’ve got it! Keep going. Hitting your goals will make you feel like part of “the in crowd”!

Lorca Hart Trio – MoJoe

Once you push past that initial wall of your workout, you start to get into the flow of things and feel pretty good. Let those endorphins course through your body while you listen to this vibrant song from Night is Alive’s beloved album Colors of Jazz. Can you feel the gradient of colors, shades and hues that your body is experiencing as you move? Can you feel the ups and downs, energy highs and lows of your workout? Embrace all the feelings and colors.

Willie Jones III, Jeremy Pelt, Wayne Escoffery and others – Star Eyes

There are mirrors all over the walls at the gyms for a reason–to inspire and motivate you! Don’t be afraid to watch yourself as your body becomes stronger–who knows, you might just feel like you have star eyes. Who knew your body was capable of such hard work? You’re getting so strong! Don’t quit now! Let this groovy tune, from Night is Alive’s album MMy Ship, motivate you as the sweat starts to drip down your back.

Harry Allen Trio – Seems To Me I’ve Heard That Song Before

You did it! You completed your workout and are one step closer to fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions. You should be very proud of yourself. Be sure to drink some water, stretch and cool down a bit before you return to the rush of daily life. Maybe you can take a nice stroll around the track while you catch your breath and listen to this snazzy song from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

The new year is a wonderful time to slow down, reflect and renew after the business of the holiday season. Compared to December, January is subdued and quiet, like the calm after the storm of the social season. Lean into that calm with this playlist of slow jazz. Maybe you can listen to it while you journal and reflect on 2025. Or maybe you can play it in the background while you do some nice restorative and restful stretches. Either way, these curated songs are meant to help you relax and ease into the new year.

Harry Allen Trio – Each and Every Yesterday

Let the slow buttery saxophone of Harry Allen help your body and muscles unwind. From Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, this easeful song can provide an excellent backdrop for reflection. Think about each and every yesterday . . . what have you accomplished in 2025 that makes you proud? Which areas could still use some growth?

Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner and Martin Wind – Looking Back

Brew yourself a nice warm mug of tea or coffee and watch the steam curl up from the glass while you listen to this lovely song. From Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, this piece gives you an opportunity to look back. Looking back is an important part of life because without it we wouldn’t gain any insight into our patterns and behaviors.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen & others – Shake Down the Stars

When setting goals and manifesting for the future it’s okay to shoot for the stars. The famous saying goes, “shoot for the moon because even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” So why not aim high for 2026? Be bold in your resolutions! Listen to this playful tune, from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible while you craft a dream board for 2026.

WJ3 All-Stars – Taking A Chance On Love

Maybe this will be the year that you wear your heart on your sleeve and let yourself take a chance on love. Maybe you’ll let yourself be more open to romantic possibilities. Or if you’re already in a relationship, maybe you and your partner can work on being more spontaneous and whimsical! Either way, let this song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, inspire your love life in 2026.

Lorca Hart Trio – Let Me in Your Life

This beautiful ballad, from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude, really captures the raw emotion of loving someone and the strong desire to be a part of that person’s life. Who do you want to be closer with in 2026? Which relationships do you want to cultivate? What kind of friendships are most valuable to you?

Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

Did you know that A Charlie Brown Christmas is the second jazz album ever to reach Platinum five times? Over 4 million copies of the album have been purchased, and it has been streamed 1.14 billion times. Yet, surprisingly, in 1965, when the Charlie Brown Christmas TV special aired, executives were sure the music was going to flop!

Television producer Lee Mendelson was looking for music for a documentary about Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. He was driving across the Golden Gate Bridge when he heard a song on the radio by San Francisco jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. Mendelson loved the lilting quality of the music and cold-called Guaraldi. A few weeks later, Guaraldi sent him a demo of a new song called “Linus and Lucy,” which has since become the theme for all of Peanuts.

The documentary about Charles M. Schulz never actually aired, but in 1965, Coca-Cola commissioned a Christmas special and Guaraldi was brought back to expand his jazz score. Mendelson and Guaraldi only had a few weeks to get this special together. They wanted the singing to sound unpolished, like a real group of neighborhood children, so they hired a children’s choir from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to sing and rewarded them with ice cream. The kids weren’t professional singers, so their imperfect, slightly off-key, natural delivery gave the album its nostalgic charm.

When CBS executives finally saw the finished special just days before its premiere, they were less than impressed. They thought the jazz score was too “adult” and “sophisticated” for a kids’ cartoon; the pacing too slow and melancholic; and they disliked the fact that actual children were used instead of professional adult actors mimicking kids. One executive is quoted to have said, “we’ll air it once and that’ll be all.”

Surprise, surprise–when the special aired on December 9, 1965, it was a massive hit! Nearly half of the entire American viewing audience tuned in to watch and critics raved about the soundtrack, which became an instant classic. Those executives surely owed Mendelson and Guaraldi an apology! Now for a few songs from the album, including one from Night is Alive . . .

Christmas Time is Here

This tune was originally meant to be instrumental, but television producer Lee Mendelson thought it needed lyrics. He and Guaraldi only had a few weeks to make the soundtrack though and Mendelson couldn’t find a lyricist on such short notice. So, what did he do? He ended up sitting down by himself and wrote the words in about 15 minutes!

Bill Cunliffe Trio – Linus and Lucy

As previously mentioned, “Linus and Lucy” was composed by Vince Guaraldi and became the signature song of the Peanuts. Naturally, over the years, many new renditions of this famous song have been recorded and Night is Alive is no exception. In our lovely album Christmas in the Dog House, the Bill Cunliffe Trio adds some zest, spunk and swing to the holiday staple. Other songs on the album include “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” To learn more, check out Christmas in the Dog House and our many other Christmas albums in our online shop. They make the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite jazz enthusiast!

Check out the Bill Cunliffe Trio’s album “Christmas in the Dog House” and Night is Alive’s other holiday albums at https://nightisalive.com/product-category/christmas/.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Did you know that many of our most beloved holiday jazz standards were actually created by Jewish composers? You probably never noticed it, but many of these tunes, such as ‘White Christmas,’ have relatively secular lyrics that capture the spirit of the season, which make them inclusive for people of all religions. So, whether you’re Jewish or Christian, agnostic or atheist, here are some lovely songs that everyone can enjoy this holiday season!

Mel Tormé & Robert Wells – The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

I don’t know about you but when I was a kid this was one of my most favorite holiday songs. My parents had a CD with this song as the very first track, which always filled our car with cheer as we drove through the snowy streets. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire / Jack Frost nipping at your nose / Yuletide carols being sung by the fire . . .

Little did I know that the composer and vocalist Tormé, nicknamed “The Velvet Fog,” was the child of Jewish immigrants from Brest (now Belarus) and grew up singing Jewish songs and celebrating Hanukkah with his parents and younger sister in Chicago. The lyricist Robert Wells was also born to a Jewish family in Raymond, Washington in 1922.

Irving Berlin – White Christmas

Berlin is a well-known Russian-born Jewish composer who received an Academy Award, a Grammy Award as well as a Tony Award. But did you know that his melancholic and nostalgic song “White Christmas” was actually inspired by real life events?

Irving and his wife Elin suffered a terrible loss when their infant son, Irving Berlin Jr. died on Christmas Day in 1928, just weeks after he was born. For years afterwards, the holiday brought sadness to the family, which is believed to be the inspiration behind the wistful tune. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas / Just like the ones I used to know / Where those treetops glisten and children listen / To hear sleigh bells in the snow, the snow.

Jule Styne & Sammy Cahn – Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Once upon a time, composer Jule Styne, who was born to a Jewish family in London, and lyricist Sammy Cahn, who was born to a Jewish family in Manhattan, were hanging out in Hollywood. It was July 1945 and an intense heat wave was scorching the city. Cahn asked Styne to go down to the beach and cool off, but Styne suggested that they write a winter song together instead. And ta-da, the jazz standard that transports listeners into a cozy, snowy scene was born!

Jay Livingston & Ray Evans – Silver Bells

In 1951, Livingston, a composer born to Jewish parents in Pennsylvania, and Evans, a lyricist born to a Jewish family in New York, were tasked with writing a Christmas song for a Paramount Pictures movie. The movie was a comedy called The Lemon Drop Kid and was about a man raising money for a gambling debt by setting up friends as street-corner Santas ringing bells.

At first, Livingston and Evans were enthusiastic, but eventually they were inspired by the sound of a small bell that sat on the desk they shared in their office. It reminded them of the Santa and Salvation Army bell ringers on the NYC streets. Before they knew it they were writing a new Christmas hit, and one of the first to focus on the spirit of the city rather than a small town or countryside. City sidewalks, busy sidewalks / Dressed in holiday style . . .

Felix Bernard – Winter Wonderland This tune’s bright, bouncy melody obscures the fact that its origin story is in fact quite sad. The lyricist, Richard B. Smith, was sitting in a sanitarium receiving treatment for tuberculosis when looked out the window and saw children playing in the snow. This winter wonderland scene reminded him of his childhood in Pennsylvania. So, to mentally transport himself out of the hospital, he penned a poem about a carefree day walking in a winter wonderland. Smith then partnered with his friend Felix Bernard, who was a successful Jewish songwriter and vaudeville pianist from Brooklyn, to create the charming tune we know today.

You can hear some of these tunes and more in Night is Alive’s holiday album collection! Visit https://nightisalive.com/product-category/christmas/ to find the perfect music for your next party, or even just to play while sipping cocoa by the fire.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Michelle Kraemer on Unsplash