In this writer’s humble opinion if there every was a blueprint for a definitive “Grown Folks” Christmas Song, this classic by Donny Hathaway would have to be in the Top 5 and maybe even Top 2. It is the convergence of all the elements: song, performance, arrangement and production that make this composition so special.
Yes everyone and their you know what has a cover of this tune (even Ethel Merman) I’m just kidding about Ethel… but the point is: I don’t care who sings this song, whenever I hear it, I hear Donny. Merry Christmas!
Ivan Orr is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and writer. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia Ivan was involved with the forming and nascent days of The Music Resource Center as its first Program Director. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music, Ivan currently resides in Richmond, VA where he maintains an active performance and production schedule while serving as the Music Editor for Grown Folks Music, a position he has held since 2010.
