The song, White Christmas, is the most popular Christmas song of the 20th century. Most of us already know that fact, but I decided to dig up a few more unknown facts about the song that I thought would be very interesting to pass along. Here they are:
- Songwriter Irving Berlin wrote the song from the point of view of a native New Yorker who just happens to be stuck in California for the Christmas season. In fact, Berlin was in California when he wrote the song!
- Berlin copyrighted the song in 1940. However, there were rumors that he may have shopped the song around in 1938. If the rumors were true, the song would not have been eligible for Best Original Song at the 1942 Academy Awards. Berlin won the Oscar for the song. He also presented himself with then award. That had never happened before Berlin did it!
- White Christmas spent 11 weeks at #1 in 1942! At that time, Bing Crosby was the most popular singer in the United States.
- An instant classic, the song has re-entered the pop charts over and over again. It was a hit single in every year from 1942 until 1962. However, it wasn't a hit in 1952! I wonder why?
- The single has sold over 50 million copies!
- The song you hear today isn't the one recorded for the movie "Holiday Inn." the original masters were worn out from being pressed so many times that Bing Crosby had to re-record the song with the original backing orchestra!
So there your have it! Some interesting facts about the popular Christmas song, White Christmas!