Les Paul (Lester William Polsfuss, June 9, 1915 – August 12, 2009) and Mary Ford (Iris Colleen Summers, July 7, 1924 – September 30, 1977) were introduced to each other by Gene Autry in 1946 and married in 1949.
They first appeared in the pop charts in 1950. Between the years 1950 and 1954, Les Paul and Mary Ford had 16 top-ten hits. They had five top-ten hits within nine months. "Tennessee Waltz", "Mockin' Bird Hill", "How High the Moon" (#1 for nine weeks), "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise" and "Whispering". From August 1952 to March 1953 they had five more top-ten hits; "My Baby's Coming Home", "Lady of Spain", "Bye Bye Blues", "I'm Sitting on Top of the World" and "Vaya Con Dios" (#1 for 11 weeks). Their 1954 version of "I'm a Fool to Care" went to #6, and was featured in a memorable Southern Comfort commercial in 2013 that got over 1 million views on YouTube.
In 2009, they were inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
Les Paul and Mary Ford are famous for creating a makeshift recording studio in their garage. In their garage studio, they used multitrack recording to record many of their hits including ‘Lover’, ‘Nola’, ‘Brazil’ and ‘Whispering' with only the two of them.
YouTube has a large selection of clips from their syndicated TV show "Les Paul & Mary Ford At Home" (1954-'55).
Les Paul and Mary Ford divorced acrimoniously in December 1964, which also ended the collaboration between the two.
The duo have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Les Paul had hosted a 15-minute radio program, The Les Paul Show, on NBC in 1950, featuring his trio (himself, Ford, and rhythm player Eddie Stapleton) and his electronics, recorded from their home and with gentle humour between Paul and Ford bridging musical selections, some of which had already been successful on records, some of which anticipated the couple's recordings, and many of which presented dazzling re-interpretations of such jazz and pop selections as "In the Mood," "Little Rock Getaway," "Brazil," and "Tiger Rag." Several recordings of these shows survive among old-time radio collectors today.
The show also appeared on television a few years later with the same format, but excluding the trio and retitled The Les Paul & Mary Ford Show (aka Les Paul & Mary Ford At Home) with "Vaya Con Dios" as a theme song. Sponsored by Warner Lambert's Listerine, it was widely syndicated during 1954–55 and was only five minutes long (one or two songs) on film and therefore used as a brief interlude or fill-in on programming schedules. Since Les created the entire show himself, including audio and video, he maintained the original recordings and was in the process of restoring them to up-to-date quality at the time of his death.
Christmas Song
Les Paul & Mary Ford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
The song "The Christmas Song" by Les Paul and Mary Ford is a classic Christmas melody that conjures a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere during the holiday season. From the opening verse that describes a scene of chestnuts being roasted on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, the song paints a vivid picture of Christmas time. The lyrics also detail the other hallmarks of the holiday season, from Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir to folks dressed up as Eskimos.
As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the joy and excitement that comes with the season, particularly for children, who are eagerly anticipating Santa's arrival with his sleigh full of toys and goodies. The festive imagery is made even more poignant with the singer's assurance of offering a simple phrase of "Merry Christmas" to everyone from one to ninety-two years old. The song is a lovely reminder of the traditions and cheer of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warm and comforting feeling of the holiday season is brought to life by imagining the cozy image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The crisp, cold air of winter is personified as Jack Frost, whose icy touch is felt by everyone who ventures outside.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyful and festive spirit of the holiday season is in the air, as a choir sings traditional Yule-tide carols to spread cheer and celebration.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
In order to stay warm during the winter months, people bundle up in heavy coats, hats, and gloves, resembling the traditional attire of Eskimos in the Arctic.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Certain staples of the holiday season, such as the festive decoration of mistletoe and the centerpiece of a roasted turkey, are well-known and expected by everyone.
Help to make the season bright
These holiday traditions and symbols contribute to the joy and brightness that the season brings.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children are filled with excitement and wonder at the magic of Christmas, their eyes shining brightly as they anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus and his gifts.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The anticipation and eagerness of children to see what Santa Claus will bring makes it difficult for them to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children are filled with anticipation and eagerness as they know that Santa Claus is on his way to bring them gifts and joy during the holiday season.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has filled his sleigh with countless presents and treats for children all around the world, bringing joy and happiness to all.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
The excitement and eagerness of children to see Santa Claus and his reindeer in action is so great that every child, no matter their age or background, will try to catch a glimpse of them on Christmas Eve.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
The magic of Christmas and the spirit of the holiday season inspire children to believe in fantastical things, such as the idea that Santa's reindeer can actually fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
As a way to extend heartfelt wishes and holiday cheer to everyone, the singer offers a straightforward message of goodwill.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message of holiday cheer extends to everyone, from young children to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
While the message of 'Merry Christmas' has been expressed countless times in various ways throughout the years, its meaning of spreading goodwill and joy never grows old or stale.
Merry Christmas to you!
The simple and timeless message of the holiday season is conveyed through these words of well-wishing and cheer. Merry Christmas to all!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bachelor Bookbinder
1. Jingle Bells - 0:00-1:36
2. White Christmas - 1:37-3:52
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - 3:53-6:05
4. Silent Night - 6:06-8:05
III
Wow less Paul and Mary ford go back to early 50s. That record looks in very good condition. I have one 45 rpm by them. Enjoyed these holiday songs. THANKS. Chris
lrh1966
Hi Keith, this is a great Les Paul Christmas 45, thanks for posting!!...Friends, Lloyd.
Guthrie Lowe
never heard this before....thank you
MISisback
+Guthrie Lowe You're welcome. Merry Christmas.
annieham56
Hi Keith, So you're ready for the Holidays...Nice. Thanks for posting. xxAnnie.