No Christmas is complete in my home without the sounds of Mannheim Steamroller flowing out of my stereo speakers. I was introduced to this group by my mother back in the 80’s. If I’m not mistaken, she first heard them on a late-night radio talk show. Mom was always listening to the radio late at night due to her chronic insomnia. After hearing Mannheim Steamroller, she gave me the money to go buy the album. And what a surprise it was to me!
One of the many Mannheim Steamroller “Fresh Aire” Christmas albums I have in my collection.
Mannheim Steamroller was founded by Chip Davis, a record producer and composer. He began learning to play the piano at age 4, composing his first piece of music at the age of 6. After high school, he attended the University of Michigan music school where he specialized on the bassoon and percussion. After graduation, he toured with the Norman Luboff Choir, a leading choral group of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Afterwards, he took a job in Omaha, Nebraska, at an advertising agency writing jingles. One of their clients was a local bakery featuring the fictional trucker C. W. McCall. He co-wrote the ads with advertising writer William Fries, who then became the voice of C. W. McCall. Davis and McCall released five albums of non-advertising songs between 1974 and 1979 with Davis being named Country Music Writer of the Year in 1976. McCall became best known for the 1976 #1 hit song Convoy, a song which was largely responsible for starting a nationwide CB radio fad. I certainly remember that craze. Most of my buddies ran out to buy CBs and learned all the associated lingo such as “What’s your 20” (your location) or “10-4, good buddy” (OK, I copy, friend). As for me, though, my main concern during that era was having an 8 track tape player in my Plymouth Roadrunner, so I never had a CB, though I did use the CB term “hammer down” (move faster) when talking about driving my hot rod.
The Fresh Aire series was Mannheim Steamroller’s entry into the music world. The group’s moniker comes from the German musical technique Mannheim roller, or Mannheimer Walze. Five albums were released from 1975 to 1983 featuring a blend of classical and new age music along with elements of progressive rock. It was 1984 when the group began modern recordings of Christmas music. And it was that very first album that me and my mom fell in love with, simply known as Christmas or Christmas 1984. The album included many traditional carols, including Deck the Halls, We Three Kings, Good King Wenceslas and God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.
But it was the closing piece on the album that absolutely stunned me: Silent Night, though it was titled in the Austrian/German of its origin, Stille Nacht. This rendition is a haunting, almost eerie version of the classic which can almost bring tears to your eyes.
I can’t hear that song without being reminded of the WWI Christmas truce of 1914. Being the history buff I am, I recall reading about this unofficial truce where all the soldiers quit shooting and actually began meeting in the no-man’s land between the trenches on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, mingling and exchanging food and souvenirs. But one thing I especially remember reading about is the Germans serenading the American trenches with Silent Night that Christmas Eve. If only…yeah, if only all of us could look upon that moment and apply it to our everyday life, what a better world it would be. But I do wish all a Stille Nacht this coming Christmas Eve and a very, merry Christmas.
I love Mannheim Steamroller. They’re one of my favorites to listen to over the holidays.
I have never heard of Mannheim Steamroller before, the song titles look familiar but I am not quite sure.
We love having Christmas music on so I am sure that I have heard them just wasn’t familiar with who they are.
There are two bands I put on all Christmas long – Mannheim Steamroller and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Those two bands just make Christmas for me.
This is such a classic! I am all about the singing along to Christmas songs, but there is something so soothing and magical about listening to Mannheim Steamroller!
I am a huge history buff too! I love that song
Such awesome music. I’m kind of a Christmas album hoarder. I just love holiday music.
Love holiday music! I look forward to it every year!
Yes! Love this one for the holidays! It’s amazing music and really gets us all feeling festive and in the holiday spirit!
I love listening to their music during the holidays. It’s nice to know more about the group.
Yeah, their history is very interesting, especially the founder, Chip Davis and his link with C. W. McCall.
Mannheim Steamroller is great and classic. I love listening Christmas songs. Thanks for sharing this.
I feel so relax listening classic music and I enjoy listening christmas songs.. Joy to the world is my favorite christmas song.
There is nothing more fun for me than listening to Christmas music when I wrap gifts, drink hot cocoa, etc… I need to get this DVD!
I love Christmas music. I’ll have to check this one out. I love this time of year when they play all these great Christmas songs!
I love Mannheim Steam Roller! They have such great music! Christmas music is the best, I wish we could listen to it throughout the year haha!
I haven’t heard of the Mannheim Steamroller. I do enjoy listening to Christmas music. It helps get me in the holiday spirit.
Oh gosh I love Mannheim Steamroller! It’s definitely Christmas around here when you listen to that!
This is a cool song that I love. I just love Christmas music, especially old school song. ^yolonda
I love Christmas music! it adds something special to the holidays.
This is a great post, I love listening Holiday music, I can feel the spirit of Christmas
I didn’t know that it only befun in 1984. It’s always refreshing to read your post and learn a new thing or two.
I absolutely love Mannheim Steamroller. I’ve seen them play in concert and it was unreal.
I really don’t get into Christmas music that much, but I do love Judy Garland’s Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. I will also have to check out this group sometime, too.
I used to really love Christmas music. This year I am feeling all sorts of Scroogy and haven’t listened to it at all. I haven;t even decorated… booo.
I have this CD as well. My MIL loved it and gave it to me one year for a gift. When I listen to it, I always think of her and have very good memories.
Omg holiday music is the best!!!!! Once thanksgiving comes along its nonstop Christmas tunes for me!!!
Sounds like a great choice, I’ll have to check it out. DO they do non Christmas stuff as well>?