5 Classic 1940s Christmas Recordings – Barrymore, Crosby, Loretta Young, Gregory Peck

This MP3 download showcases 5 classic studio Christmas recordings from the 1940s that were originally theatrical adaptations for radio broadcast . Lionel Barrymore first performed the role of Ebenezer Scrooge on CBS Radio in 1934 and continued to do so annually until the late 1940s. Barrymore reprised his role as Scrooge on this 1947 MGM Records studio recording of the Hallmark Hall of Fame radio production, with the story narrated by Richard Hale, and original score by Samuel Timberg.
Bing Crosby recorded for Decca Records R. M. Stults’ "The Sweetest Story Ever Told" in 1945 with The Song Spinners, Ethel Smith on the organ & the Lehman Engel Orchestra and in 1947 Charles Tazewell’s "The Small One" with music composed & conducted by legendary film composer Victor Young. In the late 1940s Decca also recorded Academy Award winning actress Loretta Young narrating Charles Tazewell’s story, "The Littlest Angel" with original music by Charles Paul arranged and conducted by Victor Young & then rising young star Gregory Peck narrating Tazewell’s "Lullaby of Christmas" with music composed & directed by Carmen Dragon. These two recordings were eventually released together on a Decca LP in the 1950s. All of these recordings were very popular and available until the end of the LP era in the 1980s. For this remastering the recordings were transferred from the original 78s and 10 inch LPs as these earliest sources sounded better than later releases on LP. The 5 recordings are programmed to fit on a single CD and are tracked separately for optimum listening just the way they were originally intended. Although obviously recorded with children in mind these performances still have the power to entertain and inspire children & adults of all ages, in my opinion. If you have never heard dramatizations originally conceived for radio broadcast you will be amazed at how much pure enjoyment can be had aurally without the visuals we have become accustomed to with television. I wish everyone on the list a safe and happy holiday season.

Five Christmas Stories
https://www.sendspace.com/file/q15koo

Tracks:
1. Lionel Barrymore in A Christmas Carol
Narrated by Richard Hale
Music Composed & Directed by Samuel Timberg
2. The Littlest Angel, narrated by Loretta Young
Music by Charles Paul Arranged & Conducted by Victor Young
3. Lullaby of Christmas, narrated by Gregory Peck
Music Composed & Conducted by Carmen Dragon
4. The Small One with Bing Crosby with supporting cast
Music Composed & Conducted by Victor Young
5. The Sweetest Story Ever Told Bing Crosby with The Song Spinners,
Lehman Engel & his Orchestra with Ethel Smith at the organ