Bob Merrill’s Holiday Playlist: Top 10 christmas songs You’ll Love
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday playlist, jazz musician Bob Merrill has you covered. A multi-talented artist and Palm Beach local, Merrill is a jazz trumpeter, pianist, arranger, vocalist, bandleader of Bob Merrill & His Society Swing Orchestra, and host of the popular radio show Sunday Legends Brunch on Legends 100.3 FM.Merrill, who moved to Palm Beach full-time in 2019, has performed at prestigious venues like the Kravis Center and The Society of the Four Arts. With the festive season in full swing, Merrill shared his favorite Christmas songs — a mix of iconic hits and lesser-known treasures. Here are his top 10 picks, complete with recommended renditions, all available on YouTube.Bob Merrill’s Christmas Favorites
1. Santa Baby
Co-written in 1955 for Eartha Kitt by Palm Beach resident Joan Javitz Zeeman, this cheeky classic remains timeless. While many artists like Madonna and Michael Bublé have covered it, Kitt’s original version still reigns supreme.2. Christmas in Herald Square
Featured on Tony Bennett’s 1998 album The Playground, this stunning ballad deserves more attention. Its evocative lyrics and Bennett’s smooth delivery make it a holiday gem.3. White Christmas
Bing Crosby’s rendition is the best-selling single of all time, but Jacob Collier’s ethereal transformation of this classic breathes new life into Irving Berlin’s masterpiece.4. Christmas Time is Here
Originally composed by Vince Guaraldi for the Peanuts holiday special in 1965, the vocal group Take 6 offers a harmonious version accompanied by pianist David Benoit.5. Feliz Navidad
José Feliciano’s 1970 hit, written and performed in just 10 minutes, has become a holiday staple. Feliciano jokingly claims he wouldn’t sell the rights “for all the tea in China.”6. Jingle Bells
A song from 1850 that continues to be reinvented, Pentatonix delivers a fresh, high-energy version. Honorable mention goes to their equally impressive “Carol of the Bells.”7. The Christmas Song
Written by Mel Tormé in 1945 and popularized by Nat King Cole, a standout rendition is Tormé’s duet with Judy Garland on her 1963 TV show, featuring a rarely heard special verse.8. Someday at Christmas
Sung by Stevie Wonder in 1967, this soulful track carries a hopeful message of peace and harmony. While the Jackson 5’s version is memorable, Wonder’s original is unmatched.9. My Grown-Up Christmas List
Debuted by Natalie Cole in 1992 and written by David Foster and Linda Thomson-Jenner, this heartfelt song has been beautifully covered by Amy Grant and Michael Bublé.10. Crazy About Christmas
A lesser-known gem by Joan Javitz Zeeman, the songwriter behind “Santa Baby.” Merrill recorded this delightful track, co-written and produced by Zeeman’s son, Jon.A Holiday Playlist to Remember
With over 50,000 holiday-themed songs available, Merrill’s curated selection highlights the best of Christmas music, from enduring classics to modern renditions. Whether you’re decorating the tree or hosting a festive gathering, his recommendations promise to bring joy to the season.
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday playlist, jazz musician Bob Merrill has you covered. A multi-talented artist and Palm Beach local, Merrill is a jazz trumpeter, pianist, arranger, vocalist, bandleader of Bob Merrill & His Society Swing Orchestra, and host of the popular radio show Sunday Legends Brunch on Legends 100.3 FM.Merrill, who moved to Palm Beach full-time in 2019, has performed at prestigious venues like the Kravis Center and The Society of the Four Arts. With the festive season in full swing, Merrill shared his favorite Christmas songs — a mix of iconic hits and lesser-known treasures. Here are his top 10 picks, complete with recommended renditions, all available on YouTube.Bob Merrill’s Christmas Favorites
1. Santa Baby
Co-written in 1955 for Eartha Kitt by Palm Beach resident Joan Javitz Zeeman, this cheeky classic remains timeless. While many artists like Madonna and Michael Bublé have covered it, Kitt’s original version still reigns supreme.2. Christmas in Herald Square
Featured on Tony Bennett’s 1998 album The Playground, this stunning ballad deserves more attention. Its evocative lyrics and Bennett’s smooth delivery make it a holiday gem.3. White Christmas
Bing Crosby’s rendition is the best-selling single of all time, but Jacob Collier’s ethereal transformation of this classic breathes new life into Irving Berlin’s masterpiece.4. Christmas Time is Here
Originally composed by Vince Guaraldi for the Peanuts holiday special in 1965, the vocal group Take 6 offers a harmonious version accompanied by pianist David Benoit.5. Feliz Navidad
José Feliciano’s 1970 hit, written and performed in just 10 minutes, has become a holiday staple. Feliciano jokingly claims he wouldn’t sell the rights “for all the tea in China.”6. Jingle Bells
A song from 1850 that continues to be reinvented, Pentatonix delivers a fresh, high-energy version. Honorable mention goes to their equally impressive “Carol of the Bells.”7. The Christmas Song
Written by Mel Tormé in 1945 and popularized by Nat King Cole, a standout rendition is Tormé’s duet with Judy Garland on her 1963 TV show, featuring a rarely heard special verse.8. Someday at Christmas
Sung by Stevie Wonder in 1967, this soulful track carries a hopeful message of peace and harmony. While the Jackson 5’s version is memorable, Wonder’s original is unmatched.9. My Grown-Up Christmas List
Debuted by Natalie Cole in 1992 and written by David Foster and Linda Thomson-Jenner, this heartfelt song has been beautifully covered by Amy Grant and Michael Bublé.10. Crazy About Christmas
A lesser-known gem by Joan Javitz Zeeman, the songwriter behind “Santa Baby.” Merrill recorded this delightful track, co-written and produced by Zeeman’s son, Jon.A Holiday Playlist to Remember
With over 50,000 holiday-themed songs available, Merrill’s curated selection highlights the best of Christmas music, from enduring classics to modern renditions. Whether you’re decorating the tree or hosting a festive gathering, his recommendations promise to bring joy to the season.
