As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, it’s time to break out those classic Christmas tunes. But let’s mix things up a bit, shall we?
Lace up your boots and get ready to tap your toes to the gritty and soulful sounds of blues Christmas songs. These tracks will make you feel the emotions of the season in a whole new way. From slow and melancholic to upbeat and jazzy, you’ll find a new favorite in this curated list of the best blues Christmas songs.
“Merry Christmas Baby” – Charles Brown
“Merry Christmas Baby” by Charles Brown is a quintessential blues Christmas song featuring Brown’s soulful voice accompanied by jazz-tinged piano chords. Its lush arrangements and jingling bells create an inviting festive mood.
Brown’s lyrics imbue this song with an emotional depth that elicits a range of emotions from the listener, from joyful memories of past Christmases to feelings of profound loneliness. The song’s smooth melody and infectious beat make it an instant classic.
“Please Come Home for Christmas” – Charles Brown
“Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown is a sensational blues ballad that impeccably captures the essence of the holiday season in its melancholic lyrics. The heart-wrenching vocals and somber piano melodies coupled with the underlying blues rhythm of the song create a unique mood of longing and nostalgia that fits the winter season perfectly.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster that every blues lover must experience, and it’s an ideal addition to any playlist for the best blues Christmas songs.
“Christmas Blues” – Canned Heat
For those who like their blues with a side of holiday cheer, “Christmas Blues” by Canned Heat is a must-listen. With its melancholic melody and soulful vocals, this tune captures the bittersweet spirit of the holiday season.
Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or just feeling a little blue, this bluesy Christmas classic will speak to your soul. So curl up by the fire with a cup of eggnog and let Canned Heat’s “Christmas Blues” transport you to a world of wistful nostalgia and heartfelt emotion.
“Lonesome Christmas” – Lowell Fulson
The melancholic yet soulful tune “Lonesome Christmas” by Lowell Fulson is undoubtedly one of the best blues songs that captures the sense of yearning and, at the same time, the festive spirit of the holiday season. With its smooth and evocative melody complemented by Fulson’s signature guitar licks, the track strikes the perfect balance between the blues and the yuletide cheer.
Whether you’re feeling blue or full of joy this Christmas, “Lonesome Christmas” is a song that’ll tug at your heartstrings and transport you to a place of contemplation and reflection.
“Christmas in Heaven” – B.B. King
This track is a bona fide blues masterpiece that captures the essence of Christmas. B.B. King’s soulful voice and heartfelt guitar playing touch the listener’s heart and evoke feelings of love, joy, and hope.
“Christmas in Heaven” is a song that reminds us to keep the faith and cherish the memories of our loved ones. The dynamic interplay between the instruments and the bluesy lyrics make it a timeless classic and a must-listen for anyone who loves blues music.
“Christmas Comes but Once a Year” – Amos Milburn
Bringing a perfect mix of jazzy piano and boisterous big band horns, “Christmas Comes but Once a Year” is a classic upbeat blues tune by Amos Milburn. The song radiates joy and cheer synonymous with Christmas. Amos’s raspy vocals shine through the lively backing, invoking a fervent energy that’s contagious.
The song’s carefree melody and catchy hook make it the ideal choice for a bluesy Christmas party. Even if you’re not a hardcore blues fan, this festive tune will put you in the holiday spirit.
“Christmas Celebration” – B.B. King
“Christmas Celebration” by B.B. King hits all the right notes, capturing the very essence of the holiday season through its soulful vocals and vibrant instrumentals. This bluesy number features jazzy guitar riffs, lively piano keys, and an upbeat rhythm that will have everyone tapping their feet along. B.B. King’s smooth yet commanding voice ties everything together, bringing a sense of joy and excitement that perfectly captures the Christmas spirit.
From the opening notes to the final chorus, “Christmas Celebration” is a must-listen for anyone looking to add a little bluesy flair to their holiday playlist.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
One track begging to be queued up on your holiday blues playlist is a tune that embodies both melancholy and bittersweet yearning, all wrapped up in a sweet package of soulful melody. The track captures the essence of longing for that special someone to return home for the holidays, and the desire to be reunited with a love that transcends time and space.
With its poignant lyrics and timeless arrangement, it’s no surprise this track has become a beloved staple for listeners looking for a poignant palate cleanser amidst the saccharine strains of typical Christmas carols.
“Santa Claus, Santa Claus” – Louis Jordan
This upbeat, jazzy tune by Louis Jordan will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the rhythm this holiday season. “Santa Claus, Santa Claus” is a perfect blend of blues and swing, featuring Jordan’s smooth vocals along with festive trumpets and horns.
The lyrics discuss Santa’s arrival and the exciting gift-giving that ensues, making it a fun and light-hearted Christmas song to add to your holiday blues playlist. It’s no wonder this song remains a favorite amongst blues and jazz enthusiasts alike.
“Back Door Santa” – Clarence Carter
“Back Door Santa” is a groovy blues tune that adds a mischievous twist to the holiday season. Clarence Carter sings about sneaking in through the back door dressed as Santa Claus, not to bring gifts or good cheer, but to bring some lovin’ to the lonely women. With a pulsing rhythm and slick guitar licks, this song brings a bit of funk to the traditional Christmas playlist. It’s a tongue-in-cheek, fun song that showcases the versatility of the blues genre.
“Christmas Boogie” – Sugar Chile Robinson
“Christmas Boogie” is the epitome of blues Christmas songs, with its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics. Clarence Carter sings about Santa’s secret nighttime escapades – sneaking into people’s homes via the back door to provide a not-so-innocent kind of joy.
This track’s lively horn arrangements and soulful vocals make it a festive favorite among blues lovers. It’s the perfect soundtrack for shaking off the cold winter blues and jamming with loved ones during the holiday season.
“I Want My Baby for Christmas” – Jimmy Liggins
“I Want My Baby for Christmas” by Jimmy Liggins is a delightful Christmas blues song that boasts a catchy rhythm and upbeat tempo. With its jazzy intro and lively trumpets, the track is sure to keep you tapping your feet.
Liggins’ soulful voice tells the story of a man who wants nothing more than to have his sweetheart by his side during the holiday season. This song is a perfect mix of romance and blues, making it a sure-fire hit for any Christmas playlist.”
“Christmas Time Blues” – Roy Milton
“Christmas Time Blues” by Roy Milton is a soulful track that speaks to the melancholy and loneliness that can sometimes accompany the holiday season. Milton’s smooth vocals are complemented by a jazzy horn section, creating a rich and textured sound. While the lyrics touch on the sadness that can come with Christmas, the song ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience.
The bluesy melody and emotive delivery make this a standout track on any Christmas playlist.
“Santa Claus is Back in Town” – Elvis Presley
This Christmas classic from Elvis Presley is something that every blues fan should definitely check out. “Santa Claus is Back in Town” features Presley’s signature rockabilly sound blended with a bluesy swagger that makes it stand out from many other holiday songs.
With Elvis’s mesmerizing voice delivering lines like “Hang your pretty stockings and turn off the light, Santa Claus is comin’ down your chimney tonight,” this track is sure to get you in the holiday spirit while also indulging your love for the blues.
“Run Rudolph Run” – Chuck Berry
This Christmas classic full of energy and raunchy blaring guitar riffs is sure to delight any blues lover. The rock and roll legend, Chuck Berry, sings about Santa Claus who rushes to town spreading joy and cheer. The upbeat tempo of “Run Rudolph Run” sets the perfect mood to get any party started, and with this song on the playlist, the dance floor is sure to be packed all night long.
The electric guitar will leave you feeling electrified and restless, and this is one of the reasons why this song has been a staple in holiday playlists for generations.
“Christmas Tears” – Freddy King
For a blues fan, the holiday season deserves its own soundtrack and “Christmas Tears” by Freddy King is the perfect addition to any playlist. This melancholic tune features King’s emotive guitar playing and soulful vocals that capture the heartache of spending the holidays alone. With haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, “Christmas Tears” is a blues classic that delivers all the emotion and rawness you could want from a holiday song.
So, if you’re in the mood for a little bit of bluesy introspection this Christmas, put on Freddy King’s “Christmas Tears” and let the tears flow.
“Christmas Morning Blues” – Victoria Spivey
“Christmas Morning Blues” by Victoria Spivey is an underrated gem that oozes with melancholic emotion. Spivey’s soulful vocals perfectly capture the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning alone and feeling blue. The slow tempo and bluesy guitar work perfectly complement the somber mood of the lyrics. This track is a must-listen for anyone looking for a blues-inspired
“The Christmas Blues” – Julia Lee
“The Christmas Blues” by Julia Lee is a melancholic blues tune that captures the cold, wistful essence of the holiday season. With somber piano chords and Slim’s soulful vocals, the song transports listeners to a snow-covered landscape, where memories of loved ones and regrets of the past loom large.
It’s a striking departure from the upbeat, joyful songs typically associated with Christmas, but one that speaks to the complex emotional landscape of the season.
