Still in 1948, we have a cool record from the seminal R 'n' B vocal group The Ravens: "(It's Gonna Be a) Lonely Christmas."
Here they are on Jubilee Records:
Not a jolly holiday tune, but a popular release!
The Orioles (yes, they were from Baltimore!) with lead tenor Sonny Til had broken through earlier in the year with their big hit "It's Too Soon to Know," helping pave the way toward the doo wop sounds of the 1950s.
Here's that record:
I feel that I must point out that although the label makes it look like two people named Deborah and Chessler wrote the song, Deborah Chessler was one person!
As for "Lonely Christmas" itself, I don't think it's been recorded too many other times, although there are plenty of songs that have both "lonely" and "Christmas" in the title. It's a common theme!
The only other recording of the song I've been able to dig up comes from an odd place: the 1958 non-seasonal album "Rock and Roll Orchestra" by veteran tenor sax man Buddy Tate.
Here's that cut:
No sleigh bells or anything, but it works as a moody instrumental piece.
Here's hoping we all have a happier holiday than these guys!
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