2018 “Uketide” Tunes – Part IV

Posted on by

We go from a song that people either love or hate to one most kids seem to enjoy. It’s also a tune that consistently hangs around the top 10 most played Christmas songs on the radio, according to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Johnny Marks wrote the song and Gene Autry made it a hit in 1949.

Admittedly, I’m not fond of Rudolph, but my daughter likes it quite a bit so I committed to learning the song. My teacher helped me add some interesting twists that make it fun and a little more challenging to play:

Next time I get the family to join me for a song from 1857.

2018 “Uketide” Tunes – Part III

Posted on by

The last ukulele outing was a raucous time with the whole family in front of the Christmas tree. Today it’s Aria and me (Lisa is off-camera but providing much needed vocal help) with the tragic tale of big hair and unrequited love that has been a mainstay of holiday radio since 1984. Wham!’s Last Christmas.

My wife despises this song (gasp!), but my daughter loves singing along on the radio. “Turn it up!” she always says. I was hooked on the tune when it came out the Christmas of my eighth grade year. That may have had a little something to do with a girl I knew, a big crush, and a regrettable lack of courage to act on it. Hey, it’s tough being a middle schooler.

Our video has a lighter touch. No tears! No acne!

Coming up next, we go back to 1949 for a holiday classic…

2018 “Uketide” Tunes – Part II

Posted on by

After a serious carol, it’s time to have a little fun at the uketide concert. Puerto Rican singer Jose Feliciano wrote and performed the macaronic Christmas pop song, Feliz Navidad, in 1970. It continues to get an enormous amount of radio airplay during the holiday season and is one of the top 25 played Christmas songs in the world.

This version isn’t getting anywhere near a radio playlist, but it’s still a good time! Chords, strumming, singing, and a little help from the family:

A blast from 1984 is coming next!