Still, I really love Holly Jolly Christmas. If I had it to do over I would buy Billboard's Family Christmas Classics, which includes Holly Jolly Christmas along with a lot of other Christmas kiddie classics, such as tunes from Charlie Brown's Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman. What I would really love to buy would be the soundtrack to the TV program, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I have it on vinyl, but as far as I can determine, it's not available on CD.

So, if you're a fan of Burl Ives, buy this CD; otherwise look for Holly Jolly Christmas on a compilation album, such as the Billboard album I mentioned.


How can anyone not love Burl Ives?   October 23, 2000
Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I think the only way to dislike Burl is if you believe he was like his "Big Daddy" character in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." But if you appreciate his unique voice and folk approach to singing, you will adore him. This is a fine and unusual Christmas album, since Burl's versions of these songs are not the standard ones. But they are delightful nonetheless. Everyone knows "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas," one of the stellar songs from his 1964 Christmas special, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This is not the identical version to the illustrious TV show, but it still works.

Burl Ives is an American icon and it's a pity that his style of music has gone out of fashion. This album is a feel good effort and it's impossible not to listen to it without smiling, laughing and wishing Burl was still around to sing his special brand of music. Hopefully this album will induce you to sample some of Burl Ives' other non-Christmas efforts. He was uniquely talented and a pleasure to listen to.


Pure Christmas music   December 25, 1999
Lee Bartholomew (Cedar Falls, IA USA)
10 out of 14 found this review helpful

Although I have been told to listen to the latest christmas music, I personally think alot of the Christmas music from the 60-90's has gone downhill. I think the best christmas music came in the 30's to 50's era, and some of the 60's. Hence Burl Ives is one of those few who simply had fun doing what he was doin. ;)


Great Christmas album even for non-Burl Ives fans!   February 25, 1999
PFMarvel@aol.com (FLA USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Burl Ives was primarily known as one of America's greatest folksingers; and that quality is the strongest part of this album. In addition to Rudolph (from the TV special) and Holly Jolly Christmas, Burl really shines best on songs that tell wonderful stories, most notably "Christmas is a Birthday, Christmas Child, and Christmas Can't be Far Away". You've probably never heard most of these but I guarantee these will enhance the experience of anyone who enjoys the yuletide season. He is less spectacular on the standards such as "White Christmas", and "Silver Bells", (probably due to our familiarity with the Bing Crosby versions) but they are nevertheless sturdy, well-produced versions. My kids love the whole album, but I enjoy the whole thing, I am sure, for different reasons. The production is 1st rate, and Burl can spin a story in song as well or better than anyone. Try it and you'll find at least a few gems in here.


The Best EVER!   December 7, 1999
Tom O'Brien (New Jersey)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I love this Burl Ives Christmas CD! It has a great blend of old favorites with the special burl ives touch. I love to sing along with these songs as i decorate my tree. To me, it wouldn't be Christmas without Burl Ives!