Lightnin' Hopkins - Happy New Year

From the Texas blues guitarist,

this is the B-side to a 1953 single.

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects

2016 continues to take its toll on musicians.

Fiery soul singer, Sharon Jones died yesterday.

The big C got her.

This tune from 2009 has become a classic.

Leon Russell - Christmas In Chicago

Songwriter, musician, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer,

Leon Russell has died.

This is the b-side to his 1972 Christmas single.

Prince - Another Lonely Christmas

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called "life"

The legendary Prince has passed on.

B.B. King - Merry Christmas Baby

Another King passes on.

Rest in peace, B.B. King.

Ben E. King - The Christmas Song

Rest in peace,

Ben E. King.

Earth, Wind & Fire - Winter Wonderland

For their 21st studio album, Earth, Wind & Fire

took the holiday road. I've been looking forward

to this one for a while now, and it doesn't disappoint.

Jonny Lang w/ Michael McDonald - Thankful

This Thanksgiving appropriate tune is off of Jonny Lang's

2007 Grammy Award winning album.

Roxy Roca - Christmas Without You

This new single from Texas based Roxy Roca has just begun

to make the rounds of all the biggest Christmas music blogs.

Not to be left behind, let me say that I love it too.

You can order it here, and give a listen to the cool B-side,

Back Door Santa.

Johnny Otis - Happy New Year, Baby

Johnny Otis would have been 92 years old today.

This tune from 1947 features vocals by Lem Tally and Cathy Cooper.

Roller8 Feat. Coco Street - My Favorite Things

There is always some debate about whether this should be considered a Christmas song.  I vote 'Yes' since the song mentions sleigh bells and snowflakes, and has appeared on hundreds of Christmas albums by now.

I especially like this new jazz funk 'rebake.'

F - First of Noel

Funk, rock and rap from The Hague.

The group first formed in 2006, and since most of their songs started 

with the letter f, they simply called themselves F.

The Ohio Players - Happy Holidays, Parts 1 & 2

R.I.P. Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner.

The Soul Snatchers ft. Jimi Bellmartin - Christmas Time Baby

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling."
-Edna Ferber