5 Christmas Songs That (maybe) You Didn't Know Were Jewish!

[peddlestools]

Unless you've heard me talk about this ad nauseum every holiday season, you may not know that some of the best Christmas songs you know and sing were written by Jewish songwriters. The film and music industries were some of the few places Jewish Americans could get a job without facing quite as much antisemitism. There wasn't exactly a market for

Comments

[marywebgirl]

I saw that Gene Autry video on some random holiday music channel the other and when he just pulls out a fake gun and pretends to shoot the audience and everyone laughs...no wonder boomers are so fucked up.

[mary_pickforded]

[progression]

I just realized that except for the Christmas Song, I really don’t like any of these songs. I’m def more into the more modern song (Wham!, Mariah Carey, etc) and even that’s limited. Don’t even get me started on carols. They all just irk me.

Basically as a non-Christian I love the feeling of sparkling, busy, lit up, decorated party time… but, the music better just have some faint Christmas-like jingling in it or I’m out. 😅

[peddlestools]

i know you're not talking about brenda lee rn

[progression]

I am SORRY, I really can’t stand that song. 😩

[peddlestools]

sorry, gotta use the poop reaction

[ezzykoenig]

I didn't know johnny marks was jewish. john isn't a jewish name unless it's jonathan or jon

[peddlestools]

most Jewish musicians and actors changed their name to blend in or had their families‘ names were changed when they immigrated. For example, Mel(vin) Tormé's parents‘ last name was changed from Torma to Torme when they were processed at Ellis Island. He added the accent himself, I believe, when he started his professional career as a singer and songwriter.

[ezzykoenig]

yeah I mean even my own family did this. I just googled johnny marks to see and it said his birth name was john so I found that interesting

[peddlestools]

wasn't sure if that was the case for him. it is possible his parents intentionally spelled it with an h so he could better pass, though that's just speculation on my part.

[veracity]

I actually love all these songs, especially White Christmas. I grew up watching the movie with my godmom. And Rocking Around the Christmas Tree is just expected at family parties.