Holiday Playlist
ESSENCE.com’s Christmas Playlist
We here at ESSENCE.com would like to wish you a Happy Holiday! Spend time with the family, smile and enjoy every bit of grandma’s famous Mac and Cheese… Here’s a Christmas playlist for this blessed day.
“Oh Santa” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey burned up the charts with her amazing new holiday song, “Oh Santa.” Listen Here.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Luther Vandross
The legendary Luther Vandross remade this classic — adding his silky smooth R&B voice. Listen Here.
“The Christmas Song” by Toni Braxton
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without “The Christmas Song.” See how Toni Braxton put her own spin on this holiday classic. Listen Here.
“Hark the Herald Angle Sing” by Mary Mary
Gospel’s sister act brings their soulful take to this classic carol based on a chorus from Classical composer Felix Mendelssohn. Listen Now:
“The Last Month of the Year” by The Staple Singers
The legendary gospel group made this holiday gospel tune by folk group The Kingston Trio their own this rendition. Listen Now:
“Santa Clause is Coming to Town” by The Jackson 5
Michael and his brothers brought a youthful spirit to this Christmas classic that has made a staple in homes every holiday season. Listen Now:
“Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men
The Philadelphia foursome brought Motown Philly to the holidays with their remix of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Listen Now:
“Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by Faith Evans
The original first lady of Bad Boy really spread her wings with this gospel-tinged Christmas song. Listen Now:
“Merry Christmas” by Silk
’90s R&B bad boys showed their softer side by covering this traditional holiday carol. Listen Now:
“Be There for Christmas” by Ledisi
Jazz/R&B chanteuse Ledisi offers this hypnotic, upbeat tune that offers a new take on Christmas music. Listen Now:
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
MC landed an instant Christmas classic with this original song from her 1994 Merry Christmas album. Listen Now:
“8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child
Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle turned the “12 Days of Christmas” on its ear with an updated, uptempo urban version – complete with new-school gifts. Listen Now:
“Merry Christmas Baby” by B.B. King
Who said Christmas can’t be bluesy? Blues legend B.B. King stays true to his sound – and Lucille – while celebrating the holidays right. Listen Now:
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC
Who knew Christmas in Queens could be so much fun? The “kings of rock” had heads nodding in the ’80s with this new holiday classic. Listen Now:
This Christmas by Donny Hathaway
Brother Donny might have made the classic R&B Christmas record. There isn’t much more to say other than it’s not Christmas until you hear this song! Listen Now:
“Little Drummer Boy” by The Temptations
Motown has turned out many Christmas classics. One of our favorites has to be the Temps take on this tried and true X-Mas tune. Listen Now:
“Someday At Christmas” by Stevie Wonder
Lil’ Stevie did his thing in the late ’60s with his album Someday At Christmas. The album is filled with great songs, among them the soulful title track about finding peace during the holidays. Listen Now: