Holiday Playlist To Keep Your Christmas Day Merry & Bright

Here are 10 holiday songs for your uber-gay Christmas Day.

All of these artists are proudly LGBTQ, and celebrated for their artistry their respective genres.



1. George Michael (back in his Wham! days) delivered unto us this now-required listening holiday pop gem, “Last Christmas,” in 1986.

2. Out country hunk Ty Herndon takes the iconic “O Come All Ye Faithful” into African rhythm territory here, and it totes works.

3. It doesn’t get any more camp than this: the first true bear band, Bearforce1, with their holiday mashup, “Christmas is here!”

4. Two-time Out Music Award winner Matt Zarley covered Mariah Carey’s “Miss You Most At Christmastime” to spectacular result as part of his ‘UnCOVERED’ cover song series.

5. Award-winning cabaret star Ann Hampton Callaway offers this uber-jazzy “Jingle Bells.”

6. Before winning an Emmy Award as an insane murderer on American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Darren Criss’ “Blaine” was singing and dancing the holiday classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in high style with out actor Chris Colfer’s “Kurt” on GLEE.

7. Tony Award winner Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet) gives you a little bit gospel, a little bit rockabilly on his new cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

8. Elton John released his “Step Into Christmas” in 1973 and it raced all the way to #1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart that year.

9. Handsome out smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz shared this cover of “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” on his 1997 release, December Makes Me Feel This Way.

10. Bright Light Bright Light gifted us with this synth-pop version of the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

Christmas Music: Mannheim Steamroller "Silent Night"

The perfect recording for Christmas Eve.

Years ago, when I was a struggling actor in NYC, my best friend Carlye found Mannheim Steamroller's first holiday album, Christmas.

Mannheim Steamroller's founder, Chip Davis, had found the perfect formula of light, airy instrumental versions of favorite holidays songs.

The first time Carlye played this for me, we were huddled up in our sweats about 10pm on Christmas Eve.

With only candles lit in our small one bedroom apartment, and our version of "egg nog" - egg nog, amaretto and a bit of vanilla bean ice cream - we sat quietly enjoying our inexpensive real Christmas tree as this played out in the shadows.

The last minute or so always leads me to imagine Santa and the elves working through the winter, getting ready for the big night.

And as the toy piano and jingle bells play, the wind at the north pole whips up to send him out into the night.

To this day, one of my favorite memories AND traditions, thanks to my BFF Carlye.

Looking back at how little we thought we had, it's amazing to know how much we really did.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Christmas Music: "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy"

David Bowie & Bing Crosby

From Bing Crosby's 1977 holiday special, Bing Crosby's Marrie Olde Christmas.

"Little Drummer Boy" was originally written in 1957, and the "Peace on Earth" counterpoint and lyrics were added to the song especially for David Bowie and Bing Crosby's recording.

According to Rolling Stone, Bowie was told about the idea to sing "Little Drummer Boy" as a duet, and the rocker demurred saying, "I won't sing that song, I hate that song."

And so,  the counterpoint melody was written to assuage Bowie.

Recorded on September 11, 1977, the song was set up by dialogue between the unlikely pair he pair about what they do for Christmas before singing the duet.

Bowie's appearance on a Bing Crosby Christmas special has been described as something of a "surreal" event, undertaken at a time that he was "actively trying to normalize his career."

Crosby actually passed away just over a month later on October 14.

Original airdate - November 30, 1977 on CBS.

Christmas Music: Olivia Newton-John "O Come All Ye Faithful"

From Olivia Newton-John's 2007 holiday album, Christmas Wish.

Performed at 8:17am live on Good Morning America!

I think this is gorgeous from beginning to end.

Check that last note ;)

Podcast: Neighborhood Stands By Gay Family; Trump Administration Boots HIV+ Soldiers; High School Asst Principal Harasses Trans Student In Bathroom

In this week's podcast:

• A neighborhood stands by their gay neighbors after the theft of a rainbow flag

• The Trump administration has begun kicking HIV+ soldiers out of the US military

• Ohio Gov. John Kasich did something no other Republican governor has done

• The world celebrates the 200th anniversary of ‘Silent Night’

All that and more on this episode of The Randy Report

Christmas Music: Band Aid "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Via Wikipedia:

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" was first recorded in a single day on 25 November 1984 by Band Aid, a supergroup put together by Geldof and Ure and consisting mainly of the biggest British and Irish musical acts at the time.

The single was released in the United Kingdom on 3 December 1984[2] and aided by considerable publicity it entered the UK Singles Chart at number one and stayed there for five weeks, becoming the Christmas number one of 1984.

The record became the fastest selling single in UK chart history, selling a million copies in the first week alone and passing 3 million on the last day of 1984, on the way to becoming the biggest selling single of all time in the UK.

The original version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" has sold 3.79 million copies in the UK to date.

The song was also a major success around the world, reaching number one in thirteen other countries outside the UK. In the US, the single sold an estimated 2.5 million copies in the US by January 1985.

Worldwide the single had sold 11.7 million copies by 1989.

Tired Old Queen At The Movies Look At Irving Berlin's "White Christmas"

Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas

Last night, we watched the fab holiday movie musical, White Christmas, after Michael shared he'd NEVER seen the full movie!

How is that possible???

Of course, it's completely wonderful.

Steve Hayes of Tired Old Queen at the Movies just happens to feature it on his YouTube channel this week.

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen have a musical filled day singing and dancing to the tunes of the legendary Irving Berlin in Michael Curtiz’s WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954). Along for the festivities are Oscar winner Dean Jagger and the irascible and hysterical Mary Wickes. It’s a Technicolor, musical extravaganza that will have your holiday hearts singing into the New Year!

Christmas Music: Idina Menzel "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

From Idina Menzel's holiday CD, Christmas Wishes, which is gorgeous.

I'm a huge fan of Idina's talent.

AND I'm happy to report, having met her briefly on a couple of occasions, she's just as charming and beautiful in real life as you would want her to be.

You may recall her duet with Michael Buble, "Baby It's Cold Outside," found it's way to #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Bravo, Idina!

Podcast: Christmas Tipspalooza With Lifestyle Expert Candi Fox

As we head into the final stretch of the 2018 holiday season, I thought it would be helpful to share this 'tips-palooza' episode from The Randy Report podcast because it's never too late for holiday tips.

Author and lifestyle expert Candi Fox joins me for tons of decorating, travel, cooking and entertaining ideas to make your holiday season the very best it can be.

Some ideas to help save money, and some to help celebrate the holidays in new ways.

We also have suggestions for taking care of yourself and ways to reduce stress throughout the season.

Plus, we share some Christmas music from out musicians Ann Hampton Callaway, Bright Light Bright Light and Matt Zarley to make your season bright. Take a listen then go support these awesome out artists.

For over two years, Candi and I were The Candi & Randy Show on BlogTalkRadio, where we racked up over a million downloads of talk radio episodes.

Some of our most popular episodes were our annual roundup of holiday ideas woven in between some of our favorite Christmas songs. I'm thrilled to have Candi join me again.

Hit the play button below and listen as we share new ideas to celebrate the holiday season.

Christmas Music: Michael Bublé "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"

From Michael Bublé's 2011 release Christmas.

The fab bombastic arrangement, the smooth Bublé slipping and sliding through the snow, and those oh-so-va-va-voom vocals.

How can you not like this?

I actually got a little star-struck when I met the handsome Bublé a few years ago.

But while I was swooning, he was completely cool and awesome.

Every bit the sexy crooner you want him to be :)

Christmas Music: Pentatonix "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

From Grammy winners Pentatonix - A Pentatonix Christmas.

Christmas Music: Tom Goss & Liz DeRoche Celebrate #SilentNight200

Acclaimed singers Tom Goss & Liz DeRoche celebrate 200th anniversary of 'Silent Night'

For a song to cross borders and oceans, cultures and languages, epochs and genres, one might imagine complex melodies and immense lyrics, not a lullaby for a troubled world.

An internationally recognized masterpiece would certainly be the work of profound composers, not a humble assistant priest and school teacher who played guitar.

And yet, this is the origin of one the world’s most cherished carols, “Silent Night,” celebrating its 200^thanniversary on Christmas Eve, 2018.

Reminiscent of our own troubled times today, “Silent Night” was written in 1816 as a poem by Joseph Mohr under Austria’s oppressive rule, limited freedom of expression, and despair.

Two years later, Mohr asked Franz Gruber to set his words to music as an expression of solace, hope, and peace to be performed in Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria.

Accompanied only by the guitar, during Christmas Eve mass at St Nickola Church in 1818, the pair performed their composition, “Silent Night.”

Over the last 200 years, “Silent Night” become known as ‘the song of peace,’ having been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects

It’s the holiday hymn which brought a “day of peace” to the Western Front of WWI on Christmas 1914.  It reminded soldiers of home and inspired the liberation of Austria from the Nazis during WWII.

Bing Crosby’s iconic recording of the song, released in 1935, is the 3^rd best-selling recording of all time.

Recognized and listed by UNESCO as a work of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, “Silent Night” has become a gentle anthem for world peace. Now, and for our future.

As part of the worldwide ‘Silent Night 200’ celebration, acclaimed out singer/songwriter Tom Goss and indie artist Liz DeRoche, have recorded their own rendition of the song to share with the LGBTQ community.

“I feel most inspired by being around those I love,” says Goss. “I wanted to honor the holidays, family, friends and love with Liz DeRoche, someone who's musical light and tender heart always inspire me. And, of course, what better way to do that then with ‘Silent Night?’ A song that has been moving people for 200 years.”

Tom Goss & Liz DeRoche celebrate 200th anniversary of 'Silent Nig

Tom and Liz bring their considerable musical powers to bear on the quintessential Christmas song in classic ‘Goss’ style.

Never veering from thoughtful, pensive attention to the lyrics, the two artists blend their voices in quiet homage that is sensitive, yet simultaneously brimming with emotion.

Ethereal and light, Tom and Liz find the heart of a delicate melody that is literally celebrated around the world without resorting to heavy-handed production or studio trickery.

The musical duo echo here the same peaceful sentiment born 200 years ago in Austria.

Speaking of 'around the world,' you can be a part of a global sing-a-long of “Silent Night” by clicking over to www.stillenacht.com on the 24^thof December (5.00 p.m. MEZ; 4.00 p.m. UTC; 11.00 a.m US EST - east coast; 8.00 a.m. US PST - west coast).

Thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Larry at the LGBTQ blog, theOUTfront.com, for collaborating on this post.

Christmas Music: Billy Porter "O Holy Night"

A little Throwback Thursday action here as Tony Award winner Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) delivered "O Holy Night" for the 1999 holiday CD, A Rosie Christmas.

This clip is from a TV special Rosie O'Donnell hosted December 5, 1999, at Broadway's Longacre Theater which also included Trisha Yearwood, Celine Dion, 'NSYNC and Gloria Estefan.

Porter's holiday season is certainly merry and bright as he's been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance on the hit FX series, Pose.

Watch him wail below. Merry merry, folks.

Christmas Music: Olivia Newton-John & Jon Secada "Every Time It Snows"

I always thought this duet by Jon Secada and Olivia Newton-John would have been a huge radio hit.

Both terrific artists, and the song - "Every Time It Snows" - is a very worthy and romantic contemporary holiday song.

Hit play below.

Christmas Music: Josh Groban "Little Drummer Boy"

Josh Groban's 2007 release NOEL should be a staple in anyone's holiday collection.

I love the rich, symphonic drama of the arrangement, and the military drum section kills.

Listen below.

Christmas Music: Nat King Cole "The Christmas Song"

Can't let the season go by without this ultimate classic Christmas tune - Nat King Cole sings "The Christmas Song" in a rare live TV performance.

"The Christmas Song" was written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells in 1944 and was first recorded by The King Cole Trio in 1946.

The song was recorded again in stereophonic sound with a full orchestra conducted by Ralph Carmichael using the same arrangement for Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song album in 1961.

Just so totally warm and wonderful. Watch below.

Christmas Music: Straight No Chaser "12 Days Of Christmas"

Going way back to almost the beginning of the aca-awesome group, Straight No Chaser performs their unique "12 Days of Christmas" for the first time, on December 7th, 1998, in the Musical Arts Center at Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana.

Great arrangement. Clever, funny, and smart.

If you don't know these guys, make sure you check out their many holiday albums as well as their cover versions of pop songs here.

Christmas Music: Vanessa Williams "Angels We Have Heard On High"

It's time for holiday music! Yay!

I love thislive version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" by Vanessa Williams accompanied by her brilliant collaborator, Rob Mathes.

In fact, Vanessa is performing this weekend with Mathes' holiday concerts with guest artist Sting...!!!

Originally from her Star Bright holiday CD, it's now available on The Christmas Collection: The Best of Vanessa Williams.

Christmas Music: Pentatonix "Deck The Halls"

New from 3-time Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Pentatonix - a bouncy, popping "Deck The Halls" from their holiday album, Christmas.

Merry merry, everyone!

Christmas Music: Barbra Streisand "Jingle Bells"

From the "required-listening" classic holiday album,  Barbra Streisand - A Christmas Album (1967).