There are a few songs titled “All I Want For Christmas Is You” — this one is my favorite. It was written by Troy Powers and Andy Stone of Vince Vance and the Valiants, but singer, Lisa Layne, is what really made this song a hit.
At the time she was known as Vicky Valianette. I've seen them live many times and she was one of the best things about the novelty rockin' roll act known as Vince Vance and the Valiants. And that is only one of the reasons why I will forever be disappointed that an actress was used to lip sync Lisa in the official video.
As a music fan living in Dallas I've gotten to know a few local musicians and a couple played with Vince Vance and the Valiants. One of them introduced me to Lisa and others in the band. Somehow I ended up with a copy of her scratch vocals for “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and when I first heard it I was blown away. I wish you could hear what is on this cassette. Believe it or not, it's even more powerful than the song you hear on the radio. And I don't remember who Skeeter Blank is or why his name is scratched out on the label?
We had no idea, at that time, that the song was going to become the nationally known Christmas classic that it is today but I knew that Lisa was a talent to be reckoned with and she still is. She is one of only 3 vocalist endorsed by the Patsy Cline Foundation. She has re-released the Christmas song that she made famous but I still favor her scratch vocals and the original release with V V V.
Thought this would help keep us dancing through the holidays. I always thought the name of it was “Santa Can You Hear Me?” But Britney Spears' calls it “My Only Wish This Year.” Do you have a wish for the holidays? Maybe you'd like to share it with me in the comments below?
True confessions time. Yes, I had a crush on David Cassidy and was a fan of the Partridge Family. There, I've said it. That's why I'm surprised that I don't remember this song, “My Christmas Card to You”? Even though he decided to sing his card, it mentions Christmas, a letter and the postman so it qualifies as December mail music. If you were ever a fan — or even if you weren't — hope you enjoy it!