Have yourself a soulful little Christmas, courtesy of Radio 2. Every day until December 25th, we're opening a tiny virtual door to give you a taste of a real -- and fabulous -- holiday R&B or soul song. You may not be able to collect any little sweets, but you will discover a big ol' chestnut-roasted collection of seasonal soul.

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MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1 Return to the calendar

Otis Redding, "Merry Christmas Baby"

Why not kick off this calendar with one of the best of the best? Here's the sublime Otis Redding, with the 1968 track that was the B-side to his version of "White Christmas".

DID YOU KNOW?

- "Merry Christmas Baby" is also the name of a tune by Beach Boy Brian Wilson, which was a hit in 1964?
- That "Santa's Beard," from the same Beach Boys album, was not?
- This incarnation of "Merry Christmas Baby" was first recorded by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers in 1947?
- That you (like many others) probably don't remember Johnny Moore's Three Blazers?
- The protagonist in the song is "feeling mighty fine" because (as the lyrics go) he's "got good music on [his] radio"? (And mistletoe, too.)

2 Return to the calendar

Marvin Gaye, "I Want To Come Home For Christmas"

Open up the door on Day 2, and you won't find any itsy-bitsy toys. But we do have Marvin Gaye to serenade you with his 1972 slow-burner "I Want To Come Home For Christmas". It's a classic soldier-who-yearns-to-warm-himself-by-the-home-fires-at-the-holidays tale... although somehow Marvin Gaye doesn't sound like a classic soldier. (Unless you're talking about a soldier of soul.)

DID YOU KNOW?

- "I Want To Come Home For Christmas" was written in response to the war in Vietnam, and has showed up on a number of obscure compilations -- including the cheerily-named album Christmas In Vietnam?
- That the relationship between this tune and Gaye's hit protest song "What's Going On" is kind of like the difference between leaving milk and cookies out for Santa and leaving the jolly old elf a big slug of bourbon... which is to say "I Want To Come Home For Christmas" mentions mistletoe, but you won't hear direct references to anti-war protest.
- That Gaye and co-writer Forest Hairston wrote the song with the intention of putting it out it in time for Christmas 1972, but at the last minute, Motown decided not to release it... until 1990?

3 Return to the calendar

Little Johnny Taylor, "Please Come Home For Christmas"

If you celebrate the holiday, you probably know that not every Christmas is something to write ho-ho-home about. Some are actually blue, blue, blue. For example, there's the one Little Johnny Taylor describes in "Please Come Home For Christmas". But here's some good news coming down the chimney: There's nothin' like the blues to chase the blues away!

DID YOU KNOW?

- Little Johnny started out in gospel with the Mighty Clouds of Joy, but then, as they say, "went secular"? And despite his moving, deep soul/blues sound, he never really "made it".
- That this Johnny Taylor is not the same guy as the Sam Cooke protégé known as Johnnie Taylor?
- That the other Johnnie Taylor made it even more confusing when he recorded Little Johnny's biggest hit, "Part Time Love"?
- That even if she doesn't come home for Christmas, she might make it back for New Year's?

4 Return to the calendar

The Jackson 5, "Up On The Housetop"

Way back in 1970, the late Michael Jackson was still a boy -- though it's unlikely he really believed reindeer hooves would beat a "click-click-click" tattoo on the roof of his house. Still, that didn't stop him from doing a bit of proto-rapping with Dasher, Dancer and the crew. Yes, today's Advent selection can't help but remind us that this is only our second Christmas without MJ. But at least we have a slightly frenzied bit of seasonal Jackson 5 memorabilia to keep us warm at this time of the year, in the form of "Up On The Housetop".

DID YOU KNOW?

- The Jackson 5 Christmas Album is the only Christmas album that the group ever released?
- That the album also includes their hit version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and the slightly creepy novelty favourite "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"?
- That it's impossible to make it through this holly jolly season without hearing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" one too many times, so we won't be playing it?
- That reindeer actually suffer from vertigo?

5 Return to the calendar

The Temptations, "Let It Snow"

People fall into two camps when it comes to Christmas. In one corner, you've got the staunch traditionalists who strongly believe the arrival of Saint Nick is just not right unless you're walkin' in a winter wonderland. And then there are the easy-breezy folks who are just as happy to celebrate the jolly old elf's arrival in balmier climes. If you ask us, it's only right to let it snow... Why not, when it's sung by one of the Temptations?

DID YOU KNOW?

- "Let It Snow" was written in July 1945 in Hollywood, Calif., on what was apparently one of the hottest days on record?
- It's likely the only time the words "frightful" and "delightful" have been used so cunningly in a song? ("The weather outside may be frightful, but the fire is so delightful.")
- The song is from the Temptations' 1970 recording Christmas Card, on which each Temptation took lead vocals on a Christmas song?
- That snow is an essential part of what it is to be Canadian? (So chins up, bucko!)

6 Return to the calendar

The Staple Singers, "Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas?"

This tune is possibly the least "Christmassy" Christmas song ever -- albeit in a fabulous, groove-driven way that'll melt the heart of the scroogiest Scrooge.

DID YOU KNOW?

- That the Staple Singers made it on to the Top 40 charts eight times between 1971 and 1975, and that "Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas" accounted for one of those times, since it was a no. 2 single?
- That people all over the world forget to be merry because they're too busy fighting wars or buying toys? (In other words, we took the merry out of Christmas. So let's put it back.)

7 Return to the calendar

Jacksoul, "Can't Wait Till Christmas"

You've probably noticed that there's not a lot of Christmas music in the world. [Beat.] Okay, now that you've picked yourself up off the floor and have wiped some of those laughter-induced tears from your eyes, see if you don't at least agree with this: there's not a lot of good, contemporary Christmas music in the world. Fortunately for us all, there are some modern-day gems out there. And this Canadian-made beauty by the late Haydain Neale, known as Jacksoul, is one of them. Haydain passed away last December, and when you hear "Can't Wait Till Christmas", it seems hard to believe he's not still here, singing in that understated, soulful voice that could send shivers down your spine.

DID YOU KNOW?

- That we're so lucky to have Haydain Neale's music in the world -- particularly this song, at this time of the year? (We bet you did know that.)

8 Return to the calendar

Stevie Wonder, "What Christmas Means To Me"

What does Christmas mean to you? To Stevie Wonder, it means sleigh bells... and a horn section. And "What Christmas Means To Me" means a young Stevie -- when you hear it, you'll think Wow, he sounds like a kid! That's cuz he was only about 17 when he recorded the song.

DID YOU KNOW?

- That Stevie sang the song on his 1967 Christmas album, Someday At Christmas?
- That it's been adopted (and interpreted) by a whole bunch of sweet young poppy things, like Jessica Simpson and the Olsen twins?
- That it has one of the loveliest lines of any Christmas song? "Let a newborn love enfold you." Interpret it as you will -- secular, religious, or otherwise.

9 Return to the calendar

Donny Hathaway, "This Christmas"

Someone once said, "How can you not love this song?" Actually, more than just someone -- lots of us share that sentiment. And "This Christmas," sung (and co-composed!) by Donny Hathaway, is also Official Radio 2 Recommended Tree Trimming Music. You can't go wrong!

DID YOU KNOW?

- That this song has been covered by possibly the most diverse range of artists imaginable (at least, when it comes to Christmassy covers) -- Diana Ross, Chicago, Harry Connick, Jr., Gloria Estefan and NSYNC, to name a few?
- That it covers all the essentials: fireside, caroling, presents, cards, trees and the trimming thereof... and, of course, yuletide romance?
- That there really is a time and place for syrupy strings, and this is it?

10 Return to the calendar

Aretha Franklin, "Winter Wonderland"

It's possibly the most evocative Christmas song ever, what with all that conspiring in front of the fire and building snowmen to look like members of the clergy... Ah yes, it's "Winter Wonderland," and no one roasts this chestnut quite like Aretha Franklin. Just listen to the melodic twist she puts on the opening "Sleigh bells ring..." Should we ask ourselves What Would Bing Crosby Think (WWBCT)? Er... perhaps it's best not to go down that path.

DID YOU KNOW?

- One Dick Smith of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was inspired to write the song after a snowfall in Honesdale... and he penned the lyrics while in a sanatorium?
- That present-day Honesdalians have many other things to boast about -- such as the Honesdale Hornets football team, which is currently placed 11th in the state?
- That everyone and their dog and their dog's cousin has covered the song, from Ringo Starr to Garth Brooks to Kiri Te Kanawa?
- That just three years ago the performing rights organization ASCAP declared it the most-played ASCAP-member-written holiday song of the preceding five years?
- That ASCAP said the Eurythmics' version was the most frequently played? (Again, best not to go there, but WWBCT?)

11 Return to the calendar

Chuck Berry, "Run, Rudolph, Run"

Not to be confused with the movie Run Lola Run, this song is truly a rock 'n' roll Christmas gem. And we have the classic, original recording of the song, by none other than Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry. He sure knew how to get the red-nosed one outta the North Pole into parts south, where everyone was dreaming of an electric guitar for Christmas.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Berry recorded the song in 1958 for the legendary Chess Records, and it went to #69 in the Billboard Hot 100?
- That it's also known as "Run, Run Rudolph"? (But we think "Run, Rudolph, Run" sounds better?)
- That it's still a perennial live favourite? (Why, just the other day Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow performed it on a televised holiday special, The CMA Country Christmas.)?
- That it's also still a perennial recorded favourite? (Why, just the other year it turned up on an album called We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year.)
- That it's likely the only time a reindeer has been considered "the mastermind?" (Typically that honorific is accorded to one S. Claus.)

12 Return to the calendar

Carla Thomas, "Gee Whiz It's Christmas"

Gee whiz, this is a sweet little Christmas song, sung by a very girlish -- or is that coquettish? -- Carla Thomas. To this day, it's a fun soul song for schoolkids to sing, as you can discover with minimal Googling. Carla, who's been referred to as "the Queen of the Memphis Sound," is probably tickled by that.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Carla was big on the "gee whiz" factor? (This 1963 Christmas hit was a follow-up to "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)," a hit from two years previous.)
- That the expression "gee whiz" could be construed as seasonal, since some believe it is a shortened (okay, slang) form of the word "Jesus"? (We did say "construed.")
- That Carla Thomas started off in a group called The Teen Town Singers, before she was even a teen? (That might account for the "gee whiz" factor.)
- That along with James Brown and Solomon Burke, she was awarded the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1993?
- That we're pretty sure the wonderful singer didn't say "gee whiz" when she got that news?

13 Return to the calendar

Solomon Burke, "Presents for Christmas"

Today we're offering up a soulful treat that's possibly less well known than some of the other treasures behind the virtual teensy windows on the calendar. It's "Presents for Christmas," recorded by the late and truly great Solomon Burke back in 1966. Christmas presents had special significance in his life, since legend has it his first guitar was given to him by his grandmother at Thanksgiving one year... as an early Christmas present.

DID YOU KNOW?

- That very early in his career Solomon Burke actually wrote a song called "Christmas Presents," but this song is not it?
- That in "Presents For Christmas," it's not just boys and girls who can expect presents -- Burke also graciously extends this hope to disc jockeys, policeman, and pretty girls?
- That Solomon Burke, never a slender man, boasts he's "fat enough to be the world's biggest Santa Claus"?
- That the idea of Solomon Burke as Santa is just terrific?

14 Return to the calendar

Jully Black, "A Time For Christmas"

Canada's own Jully Black makes Christmas somehow... well, sexy, with "A Time for Christmas." It's a contemporary Christmas song from a CBC Sounds of the Season recording. Jully also turns her soulful voice to an old favourite, "The Christmas Song," on that very album. And yes, you can get it from the CBC Shop Online.

DID YOU KNOW?

- That Jully 's Christmas shopping approach (as of last year) sounds less stressful than all those harbingers of last-minute-shopping-doom might have you believe? From her blog: "Three days before Christmas and I haven't bought one gift yet. I'm clutch though and actually prefer less time to think, as I find the shopping WAY more fun that way."
- That Jully, who regularly performs at Christmastime benefits, thinks long and hard about the whole gift-giving thing? A few Christmases ago she helped a single mom with 8 kids have a great Christmas, through the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club.
- That you could call what Jully did "having a Black Christmas?" A Jully Black Christmas, that is? (She does.)

15 Return to the calendar

James Brown, "Soulful Christmas"

This song's the rum in the eggnog: thanks to none other than the Godfather of Soul, Christmas gets outrageously funky. So, if you need some groovin' at Christmas time, remember: Mr. James Brown has a "heart full of love for the whole wide world." Not only that, he claims to have everything he needs around his "soulful Christmas tree," and so do we, after getting down with the Brown.

DID YOU KNOW?

- The song ends up being kind of a sales pitch, in which Brown encourages fans to "come and see my show"? But it's still great anyway.
- That it's from a Christmas album called James Brown's Funky Christmas, aptly described by one scribe as "guaranteed to give Santa Claus a soul transfusion -- and put a little extra kick into that mistletoe kiss."
-That he didn't pull any punches in celebrating the season, with song titles like "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto"?
- That the week before JB shuffled off this mortal coil, he gave Christmas presents to an orphanage in Atlanta?
- That -- and this is a little spooky in light of the topic -- Brown himself died on Christmas day, back in 2006? That's something that made us all feel super bad.