Category Archives: Holiday

2018 “Uketide” Tunes – Part V

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Rudolph has left the building, presumably to get some rest before the big night. If horses are more to your liking than reindeer get the bells and pull out the sleigh. We’re about to dash through the snow with a song originally intended for the Thanksgiving season. Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, Jingle Bells, has become one of the most popular Christmas songs ever. Thought to have been a 19th century drinking tune, it also holds the honor of being the first song played in space — on a harmonica.

We’re just going to play it in our living room with the requisite ukulele and sleigh bells. Lots of sleigh bells. Lisa and Aria are back to help:

Up next, as we inch closer to Christmas, one of my favorite carols. We go back to the 17th century!

2018 “Uketide” Tunes – Part IV

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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

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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…