10 Christmas Classics by Black Singers

Tunes by Johnny Mathis and Mahalia Jackson make this list.

There’s no shortage of celebrities who’ve recorded Christmas songs. Everyone from Snoop Dogg to Mariah Carey to Christina Aguilera has released a holiday album. But if contemporary versions of Christmas songs aren’t your cup of tea, check out the tracks that old school singers such as Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Mahalia Jackson released during their heyday. Give your holiday events a touch of history. Play one of these 10 renditions of Christmas songs by classic black artists at your next winter bash.

“Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt turned up the heat in this 1953 vampy Christmas classic.

“Silent Night” – Mahalia Jackson proved why she was a gospel music legend with this heartfelt remake. It will give you chills.

“The Christmas Song” – Aretha Franklin put such a soulful twist on this oldie that you’ll be longing for chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

“Sleigh Ride” – Johnny Mathis’ silky voice sounds magnificent on this playful Christmas cut.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – The Jackson Five made a holiday classic of this Motown track.

“O Holy Night” – Nat King Cole’s beautiful voice shines on this spiritual Christmas tune.

“Merry Christmas, Baby” – Otis Redding may be known for sitting by the dock of the bay, but he created a Christmas classic with this cut.

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” – Marian Anderson gave this Christmas track an operatic twist.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Ella Fitzgerald added a touch of a jazz to this holiday standard.

“White Christmas” – Louis Armstrong’s distinctly raspy voice gives this classic tune an edge.

[ALSO READ: How to Budget During the Holidays]

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