Album Review: Merry Christmas from Jackie Wilson
If you sent or received anything via the US Postal Service in the final months of 2020, you likely know that due to some serious shenanigans on the part of the DC regime that eventually rioted and then left town with its tail between its legs, mail was delayed. Sometimes extraordinarily so. I mention this only as explanation for why I’m reviewing a Holiday album in February: despite the best efforts of the publicist and label, it only got to me after Christmas was behind us.
ANYway…
Originally released in 1963, Merry Christmas from Jackie Wilson is neither a soul nor rhythm and blues album. No, while Wilson’s expressive, supple (four-octave) voice had and would continue to be applied to classic material in a manner that earned him the sobriquet “Mr Excitement,” this LP is a different kettle of fish.
Filled with a dozen traditional and religiously-themed Christmas songs, Merry Christmas from Jackie Wilson is a straightforward set. Chorus and orchestra are present, and tend a bit toward the syrupy (if tasteful) side. That, of course, works well on material like “The First Noel” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” And even the pop material – Irvin Berlin’s “White Christmas,” “Deck the Hall” etc. – is given similar treatment.
It’s nice stuff, to be sure, occupying a space halfway between what the Mormon Tabernacle Choir might have done (I don’t plan on verifying that claim, thanks) and something that a singer such as, say, Johnny Mathis might’ve turned in. I don’t know a thing at all about Jackie Wilson’s personal life, but if his mother was still with us in 1963, I suspect she would have been very proud to hear her son sing these songs. Owing to its seasonal character, Merry Christmas from Jackie Wilson is the sort of record you’re likely to pull from the shelf and drop on the platter but once a year. But when you do, it will help set the mood for the holiday.
The Org Music reissue is a perfect reproduction of the Brunswick original, save for a tasteful and tiny Org logo.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.