Here's a rather awful Christmas 45 I picked up recently.
The unknown lead singers, the apparently tiny and local record label (with the address right below the logo), and the overall sound of the thing all point to this having been a vanity release.
But then there is the presence, on backing vocals, of The Jordanaires (joined here by the sadly unheralded "Millie"), and the fact that each side of the record features publishing by one of the giants of the industry.
So the pedigree on this record is a mystery to me, and I'd love to hear from anyone who knows more about it.
On the other hand, the actual contents of the record speak for themselves. Linn and Linda fairly demand that the listener's tear ducts let loose with their rendition of "Christmas Orphan". Then, on the flip side, the sing of a much happier "Merry Christmas Time", except that I don't really discern any difference between their tone, feel or any other aspects of their performances, in listening to the happy and sad sides of this record.
1.) Linn and Linda with the Jordanaires and Millie - Christmas Orphan (MP3)
2.) Linn and Linda with the Jordanaires and Millie - Happy Christmas Time (MP3)
Christmas Orphan Label (JPG) - Happy Christmas Time Label (JPG)
The Millie in question is NOT Mille Small but Millie KIRKHAM who was an auxiliary Jordonaire
Posted by: Richard Astley-Clemas | December 28, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Thanks for the info! I had no idea there was a MIllie in the Jordanaires, and it hadn't even crossed my mind that it might be Millie Small (who I try not to think of at all...). I just thought it was some random person, as unknown as the two lead singers.
Posted by: Bob Purse | December 28, 2009 at 09:54 AM
First recording which Millie Kirkham appeared on was the Elvis version of Blue Christmas
Posted by: Richard Astley-Clemas | December 29, 2009 at 06:36 PM
See also:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4627844951745393689
Posted by: Dragunov | December 29, 2009 at 09:09 PM