Why Nat King Cole and Donny Hathaway Dominate Christmas Playlists

Queue Points

In this festive episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray drop the needle on two holiday classics that continue to define Christmas for Black America—Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" and Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas." Why do these songs still hold a chokehold on our holiday playlists decades after their release? The duo dives into the rich history behind these tracks, exploring their cultural impact, the personal memories they evoke, and why covers of these songs often fall short of the originals. From the classy charm of Nat King Cole to the soulful groove of Donny Hathaway, this episode celebrates Black musical excellence and holiday traditions that span generations. Tune in, get cozy, and reflect on the songs that make the season bright!

#NatKingCole #DonnyHathaway #TheChristmasSong #ThisChristmas #BlackMusicHistory

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast

00:58 Holiday Music: Love or Hate?

02:14 The Magic of Classic Christmas Songs

03:34 The History Behind 'The Christmas Song'

07:06 The Story of 'This Christmas'

10:39 The Legacy and Impact of These Songs

13:32 Personal Holiday Memories

17:15 The Debate on Cover Songs

20:23 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

22:02 Closing Theme

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