Dean Martin’s timeless holiday classic, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” has made its way onto Billboard’s Adult Contemporary survey after nearly 72 years since the legendary entertainer first recorded it. The carol has debuted on the ranking at No. 30, bringing a festive touch to the music charts this holiday season.
The Early Recording and Release
Released on Oct. 14, this is Martin’s earliest known holiday recording and his only version of the classic carol written by Meredith Willson in 1951. The performance was part of a radio broadcast on Dec. 16, 1952, during NBC’s The Martin and Lewis Show, featuring Martin and Jerry Lewis. The special guest that week was the iconic Ginger Rogers.
New Animated Video Premiere
A new animated video for “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” premiered on Nov. 14, adding a visual element to this beloved holiday song and bringing it to a new generation of listeners.
Chart Success and Legacy
Despite his passing on Christmas Day in 1995, Dean Martin continues to make his mark on the music industry. With this latest entry on the Adult Contemporary chart, Martin’s hits span an impressive 60 years, four months, and three weeks, starting with his iconic “Everybody Loves Somebody” in 1964.
Nat King Cole holds a slightly longer span of Adult Contemporary entries, with 60 years, five months, and two weeks on the charts. Martin’s contributions to music, especially during the holiday season, continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
Last Season’s Success and Future Prospects
Last holiday season, Martin’s “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” reached a new high on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the enduring popularity of his music. With multiple hits on various charts, Martin’s legacy as “The King of Cool” remains strong.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” joins the ranks of other holiday classics on the Hot 100, including versions by Perry Como, the Fontane Sisters, Michael Bublé, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby. These timeless songs continue to bring joy and nostalgia to listeners each holiday season.
FAQs
Q: How long has Dean Martin’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” been on the Billboard charts?
A: The song debuted on the Adult Contemporary survey nearly 72 years after Dean Martin first recorded it.
Q: What milestone did Dean Martin achieve with “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” last holiday season?
A: “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” reached a new high on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Martin’s top hits.
Q: Who holds the record for the longest span of Adult Contemporary entries?
A: Nat King Cole narrowly beats Dean Martin with a span of 60 years, five months, and two weeks on the charts.
Credit: www.billboard.com
