We surveyed our team, from the elves in development to the carolers in producing, to compile the soundtrack to Spoleto this holiday season. We unearthed a treasure trove of unexpected and heartwarming Christmas favorites, so get ready to step into the musical minds of the folks who make Spoleto tick. And Happy Holidays from the Spoleto team!
Track 1: “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” – Bing Crosby, David Bowie
“I love the video of David Bowie and Bing Crosby singing Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy. It’s beautiful and nostalgic and feels like a dream intergenerational mash-up. It was filmed in September of 1977, just a few weeks before Bing Crosby passed away, and was his last TV appearance. Always a favorite for me!” – Chloe
Track 2: “Merry Christmas” – Ed Sheeran, Elton John
Track 3: “Christmas Time is Here” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
“This song is relaxing and evokes memories of Christmases past, like drinking hot cocoa by a fireplace with snow falling outside.” – Michael
Track 4: “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” – Ella Fitzgerald
Track 5: “The Shepherd’s Carol” – Bob Chilcott, sung by Tenebrae, Nigel Short
Track 6: “What Shall We Give?” – Mack Wilberg, sung by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Track 7: “Glade jul” – Franz Xaver Gruber
“This song helps center my thoughts during the holiday season, to focus on peace, hope, and the desire to give. It reminds me to try and see everyone in a better light and to find more opportunities to think about others more than myself.” – Courtney
Track 8: “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” – Gayla Peevey
“As a kid, my grandma would sing this to me every year, and for the longest time, I would ask for a hippo!” – Jordyn
Track 9: “Last Christmas” – Wham!
“This song will always remind me of junior high and those wonderful, ridiculous feelings of hope and hopelessness that define early crushes. No matter how many times it’s played during the holidays, this song never gets old.” – Katharine
Track 10: “Merry Christmas Baby” – Otis Redding
“Otis Redding is one of my all-time favorites and this song is one that just makes me happy.” – Allison
Track 11: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
“It is iconic!” – Allison
Track 12: “Scrooge” – The Muppet Cast
“Because any song that has the line ‘No cheeses for us meeses’ deserves a spot on the top of every list.” – Allison
Track 13: “Father Christmas” – The Kinks
Track 14: “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues
Track 15: “Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” – William Bell
Track 16: “Sleigh Ride” – The Ronettes
Track 17: “White Christmas” – Meghan Trainer, Seth McFarlane
Track 18: “What Christmas Means to Me” – Stevie Wonder
Track 19: “Carol of the Bells” – Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych
“Carol of the Bells reminds me of Christmas Eve services with my family. I can almost see the candles flickering in the 200-year-old windows of the sanctuary when I hear this song and I love spending that quiet evening time together with my family, especially my children.” – Jessica
Track 20: “Let There Be Peace on Earth” – Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller
“This song reminds me of childhood moments at church candlelight services.” – Dexter
Track 21: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Frank Sinatra
“This song brings back memories of family holiday gatherings.” – Dexter
Track 22: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
“This song is a holiday anthem that never fails to uplift my spirits.” – Dexter