This Christmas classic, often called “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” was written in 1944 by musician, composer, and vocalist Mel Tormé (aka The Velvet Fog), and Bob Wells. According to Tormé the song almost wrote itself, taking 40 minutes from inception to completion. Since, it has become the most recorded Christmas song ever. The earliest recording was in 1946 by the Nat King Cole Trio, he rerecorded it with strings later that year, then again in 1953 and 1961. The 1961 version, with orchestra conducted by Ralph Carmichael, is the version all others are compared to.

In 1978 The Carpenters released their album Christmas Portrait which included my favorite version of the Wells / Tormé classic. Often dismissed by critics, The Carpenters were a powerhouse in the 1970’s and recorded some of the most enduring pop songs of the decade. It always brings a small tear to my eye when Karen sings “And every mother’s child is gonna spy/To see if reindeer really know how to fly.” It brings back the wonder of Christmas I felt as a child and see in my kids eyes.