The most famous recording of “The Christmas Song”, as performed by Nat King Cole, was his fourth and final recording of the beloved Robert Wells and Mel Tormé tune.
The linked recording is my personal favorite- featuring just the Nat King Cole Trio of bassist Johnny Miller and guitarist Oscar Moore with no additional accompaniment.
This recording was never meant to see the light of day - and only really made it out into the public by mistake. In 1989, for a Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits compilation, this recorded was accidentally used instead of one of the other recordings with full orchestral arrangements.
Apparently Nat himself preferred the full orchestra, but I just can’t help myself. If I’m going to put this song on, this is the recording I go to!
I’m well aware that the Christmas obsession is crazy to a lot of people. You just have to roll with it!
Yeah I’m just having a little fun.
But we’re watching you, buddy. We see you.