Born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Boone is a direct descendant of the American pioneer Daniel Boone. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, attended David Lipscomb College and began recording in 1954 for Republic Records. His 1955 version of "Ain't That a Shame" was a huge hit, selling far better than Fats Domino's original version. This set the stage for the early part of Boone's career, which focused on covering R&B songs by black artists for a white market. Previously, rock 'n' roll had had only limited exposure outside of the African American community. Pat Boone's pale covers gave attention to the more authentic original artists, such as Little Richard and Fats Domino and to rhythm and blues in general. In addition, the songwriters and copyright holders benefited even when individual artists did not.
In fact, only six of Boone's many hit singles were R&B covers, and only four of those were rockers. All were released in the first two years of his long career. These were "Ain't That a Shame" by Fats Domino and "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard, and "At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama)" by the El Dorados. The other two R&B covers were well-chosen blues ballads, "I Almost Lost My Mind" by Ivory Joe Hunter and "Chains of Love," a hit for Big Joe Turner and later B.B. King that had been written by Ahmet Ertegun. By 1957, Boone was concentrating on the middle-of-the-road music that dominated his career. He never recorded another R&B cover.
Known as "The Kid in White Buck Shoes", Boone sported a clean-cut image that appealed to white [teens]] and parents. His singing style, a rich baritone, followed in the tradition of his idol, Bing Crosby. Preferring to carry on in the Crosby tradition, he soon began turning more and more to ballads. Some of his biggest hits included "Love Letters in the Sand" (with the instrumental break featuring Boone's whistling), "April Love", "Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)", and "Don't Forbid Me".
His teen idol popularity in the late 1950s was second only to that of Elvis Presley, and, like Presley, he soon tried his hand at acting. Boone's pictures included 1960's Journey to the Center of the Earth alongside Hollywood notable James Mason.
His recording of the theme song from the 1957 film April Love topped the charts for six weeks and was nominated for an Academy Award. Pat also wrote the theme song for the movie Exodus.
A devout born-again Christian, he was raised in the conservative Church of Christ, but has been a member of a Pentecostal church for more than thirty years. Boone has refused both songs and movie roles that he felt might compromise his standards, including a role opposite the decade's reigning sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe. Among his other achievements, he hosted a TV series in the late 1950s and began writing in the early 1960s, a series of self-help books for adolescents, including Twixt Twelve and Twenty.
The British Invasion effectively ended Boone's career as a hitmaker, though he continued recording throughout the 1960s. In the 1970s, he switched to gospel and country, and he continued performing in other media as well, most importantly radio. He is currently working as the disc jockey of a popular oldies radio show and runs his own record company which provides a much-welcomed outlet for new recordings by 1950s greats who can no longer find a place with the major labels.
Boone married Shirley Lee Foley, daughter of country music great Red Foley and singer Judy Martin, in 1953 and they had four daughters: Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury. In the 1960s and 1970s the Boone family toured as gospel singers and made gospel albums, such as The Pat Boone Family and The Family Who Prays.
In the early 1990s, Boone joined Amway and spoke at many motivational seminars. He was also a distributor. He never reached the coveted Amway rank of Diamond.
In 1997, Boone released In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, a collection of heavy metal covers revamped to fit his style. To promote the album, he appeared at the American Music Awards in black leather, shocking audiences and losing his respectability among his largest constituency, conservative Christians. He was then fired from Gospel America, a TV show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. About a year later, the controversy died down and many fans, including Jack Hayford, accepted his explanation of the leather outfit being a "parody of himself". He was re-hired by Trinity Broadcasting and Gospel America was brought back.
In 2003, the Gospel Music Association of Nashville, Tennessee recognized his gospel recording work by inducting him into its Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Boone and his wife live in Los Angeles, California. They are members of The Church on the Way in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley. His one-time neighbor was Ozzy Osbourne and his family. Boone's cover of Osborne's song "Crazy Train" became the theme song for The Osbornes. (It appears on The Osbornes Soundrack.) Osborne said that Boone "never complained once" about living next door to his less-than-traditional family.
Boone once claimed to use his own surname in lieu of curse words when upset.
In 2006, Boone penned an article for WorldNetDaily in which he argued that Democrats and others who are against the Iraq War cannot, under any circumstances, be considered patriotic. He also recently was interviewed by Neil Cavuto on Fox News, where he expressed his outrage against the opponents of George W. Bush (namely the Dixie Chicks) that their criticisms of the President showed they did not "respect their elders". Another article defended Mel Gibson after the actor was recorded making an anti-Semitic rant. Despite their differing political views, Pat Boone is friends with the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Silver Bells
Pat Boone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the air there's the feeling of Christmas
Children laughing people passing meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells silver bells it's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them ring soon it'll be Christmas Day
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crush see the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene and above all this bustle you hear
Silver bells silver bells...
The lyrics of Pat Boone's "Silver Bells" paints a vivid picture of a bustling city during Christmastime. The sidewalks are busy and dressed up for the holiday season, and there's a palpable feeling of Christmas joy in the air. The city is alive with the sounds of children laughing, people passing each other with smiles on their faces, and on every street corner, you hear the sound of silver bells ringing.
The imagery in the lyrics captures the essence of Christmas in the city- the red and green lights and decorations are everywhere, as people rush home with their holiday shopping. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, the sound of children playing and the crunch of snow underfoot is heard by all. Despite the chaos of the city, the gentle ringing of silver bells is a constant, reminding us that it's Christmas time.
The lyrics of "Silver Bells" remind us of the joy and magic of the holiday season, as well as the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the little things that make this time of year so special. It's no wonder that this song has become such a beloved classic.
Line by Line Meaning
City sidewalks busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style
The city streets are packed with people who all seem to be in a festive mood.
In the air there's the feeling of Christmas
There is a palpable sense of excitement in the air, as people go about their Christmas preparations.
Children laughing people passing meeting smile after smile
Everybody seems happy and joyful, and it's a great time to be out and about in the city.
And on every street corner you hear
The sound of Christmas music is ever-present, as there seem to be carolers or performers on every street corner.
Silver bells silver bells it's Christmas time in the city
The sound of silver bells is omnipresent, reminding us all that the holiday season is in full swing.
Ring a ling hear them ring soon it'll be Christmas Day
The ringing of the bells is a joyful and hopeful sound, signaling that Christmas Day is right around the corner.
City street lights even stop lights blink a bright red and green
The streets are lit up with festive lights, adding to the overall sense of holiday cheer.
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
People are on their way home with their holiday purchases, adding to the hustle and bustle of the season.
Hear the snow crush see the kids bunch
The sound of snow being crushed underfoot adds to the festive atmosphere, as does the sight of children playing and having fun.
This is Santa's big scene and above all this bustle you hear
All the activity and joy that surrounds us during the holiday season is a testament to the enduring magic and wonder of Santa Claus.
Contributed by Ellie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Irene Kent
So lovely to hear Pat Boone beautiful voice loved him since 1956 when I first heard him
ClassicDamsel
I love Pat Boone and there's no doubt that he does complete justice to this beautiful song. I love the pictures you chose too! Thank you for another wonderful video.
Julian PRICE
What a lovely smooth voice that Pat Boone has, and we miss such a lovely way of singing now adays. Thank you for this down load.
RottenAmiigo94
I picture my Grandmother singing along to this song on car rides. God rest her soul. RIP grandma Judy
mauricio cid monroy
me encanta. que hermosa epoca.
보헤미안 박/Bohemian Park
What a neat Carol in this world this is... 사랑합니다 💕
Emelita Gatdula
I was 7 yrs old when I first heard this song ,such a beautiful Christmas song!
Bruna Secol
Maravilhoso!!!
Priscilla Adam
december 2017, and every christmas this version of Pat Boone always in my list for christmas song.. thanks Jim, btw this song is as old as my mom lol
Jymster46
You are very welcome, Priscilla. Well, your Mom and I are the same age. We are seasoned! Thanks for listening and commenting,
Jim