"The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
"Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" is titled "The Christmas Song", in case you didn't know. Whatever you name it, it's a classic from Nat King Cole, the legendary jazz-pop performer who recorded four versions.
His 1961 recording is the one we hear the most. It was composed in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé. In August, at Cole's request — and over Capitol Records' reservations - a second recording was recorded with a tiny string group. This rendition went on to become a huge smash on the pop and R&B charts.
In the 2000s, the song grew more popular than ever, with radio stations of all types included it on their holiday playlists every year. It was the most-played holiday song of the preceding five years, according to ASCAP, and even though numerous artists had recorded it, Cole's version was by far the most popular. The song was the third most popular Christmas tune in 2011, after "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland," according to ASCAP.
- Published in: November 1946 (2nd recording)
- Composer: Robert Wells and Mel Tormé
- Link to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwacxSnc4tI
