While we're digging some mid-1950s versions of "Jingle Bells," we come across the Great One himself, Jackie Gleason, with this lush version from his 1956 "Merry Christmas" LP on Capitol Records:
That's really in the typical style of Jackie's romantic albums, as "Billboard" points out:
And, hey, that is one sock color cover!
Jackie also included the perennial "Jingle Bells" sidekick on that album:
Just shows a good melody can be played in any style!
Jackie didn't always use vocalists humming along, but he did cut a version of "The Honeymooners" theme in that style in 1956 as well:
Note that Artie Malvin (last heard around here with the Chickering Four) got his name misspelled on the label. Oh, well, as long as the check cleared!
Jackie also recorded a straight-up instrumental version of "You're My Greatest Love" on his "Music to Change Her Mind" album, also from 1956:
That tune is very evocative! You can just see those famous credits in your mind:
Jackie's "regular" theme song is also memorable:
A man of many talents!
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