I'll Be Home for Christmas Discography

I thought this year I would share with you the discography I have been working on of all the recordings of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." I can hear you asking, "A what?" Simply put, a discography is like a bibliography (those pesky things we had to put at the end of term papers) but for recorded media. I had to decide on a style guide for the list & I chose MLA because it seemed the least complicated.

If you are looking for other songs by Kim Gannon, check out this discography. It is pretty extensive, & like mine, a work in progress.

So, here is the discography in all it's incomplete glory. I am also attempting to compile many of recordings in my iTunes library. How many do you have on your Christmas playlist?

Everlasting Lights on The Common in Greenwich, NY 2013

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" Discography (MLA) by Patricia F. Dolton

Aly & AJ. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Acoustic Hearts of Winter. Hollywood Records. 2006. CD.

Anderson, John. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas. Time-Life Music. 2003. CD.

Anka, Paul. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Songs of December. Decca Records. 2012. CD.

Archuleta, David. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas from the Heart. Jive. 2009. CD.

Atkins, Chet. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The Essential Christmas. Columbia Records. 2002. CD.

Bennett, Tony. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The Classic Christmas Album. Sony Music Entertainment. 2011. CD.

Bennett, Tony. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Snowfall. Columbia Legacy. 2007. CD.

Botti, Chris. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. December. Columbia Records. 2002. CD.

Boyle, Susan. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Home for Christmas. SYCO Music. 2013. CD.

Buble, Michael. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas. Reprise Records. 2011. CD.

Buble, Michael. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Let It Snow!. 143 Records. 2007. CD.

Celtic Woman. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Home for Christmas. Manhattan Records. 2012. CD.

Chenoweth, Kristin. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas. Sony Classical. 2008. CD.

Chesney, Kenny. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. All I Want for Christmas is a Tan. BNA. 2003. CD.

Clarkson, kelly. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Greatest Hits, Chapter 1. RCA Records. 2012. CD.

Como, Perry. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Complete RCA Christmas Collection. real Gone Music. 2012. CD.

Connick, Jr., Harry. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Harry for the Holidays. Columbia Records. 2003. CD.

Cook, Russell. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas Traditions. North Star Records. 2004. CD. (prev. pub. as White Christmas with Woods ‘N Strings Music.)

Crosby, Bing. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas with Bing Crosby & Friends. St. Claire Entertainment Group. 2007. CD.

Day, Doris. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Crooners Christmas. North Star Music. 2000. 1951-69, 1992. CD.

Diamond Rio. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Diamond Rio Christmas. Word Entertainment. 2007. CD.

Dylan, Bob. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas in the Heart. Columbia Records. 2009. CD.

Evancho, Jackie. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Heavenly Christmas. SYCO Music. 2011. CD.

G. Kenny. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The Greatest Holiday Classics. Arista Records. 2005. CD.

Gibson, Banu & New Orleans Hot Jazz. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. New Orleans Christmas. Putumayo World Music. 2006. CD.

Gill, Vince. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas. Time-Life Music. 2003. CD.

Gleason, Jackie & Jack Marshall. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas/ Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck/ (composers of Baby…). Christmas Cocktails. Capitol Records. 1996. 1950-67. CD.

Glee (Cast of). “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Glee, Volume 3, The Christmas Album. Columbia Records. 2012. CD.

Grant, Amy. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Home for Christmas. Capitol Records. 2007. 1992. CD.

Groban, Josh. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Noel. Reprise Records. 2007. CD.

Irish Tenors. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The Irish Tenors Christmas. Razor & Tie. 2009. CD.

Isaacs. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas. gaither music Group. 2010. CD.

Judd, Wynonna. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Classic Christmas. Curb Records. 2006. CD.

Koz, Dave. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Ultimate Christmas. Capitol Records. 2011. CD.

Krall, Diana. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas Songs. Verve Music Group. 2005. CD.

Lady Antebellum. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. On This Winter’s Night. Capitol Records Nashville. 2012. CD.

MacLean, Tara. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The First Noel. Fisher-Price. 2005. CD.

Mancini, Monica & Dave Koz. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Letters to Santa: A Holiday Musical Collection. Concord Music Group. n.d. CD.

Martin, Dean. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas with Dino. Capitol Records. 2006. CD.

McBride, Martina. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. White Christmas. BMG Entertainment. 1999. CD.

McKnight, Brian. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Razor & Tie. 2008. CD.

McLachlan, Sarah. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Wintersong. Arista Records. 2006. CD.

Merrit, Tift. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Very Special Acoustic Christmas. Lost Highway. 2003. CD.

Midler, Bette. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Cool Yule. Columbia Records. 2006. CD.

Mirage Band. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Excelsior. 1996. CD.

Nichols, Joe. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Traditional Christmas. Universal South. 2004. CD.

Paisley, Brad. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Brad Paisley Christmas. Arista Records. 2006. CD.

Peterson, Oscar. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. An Oscar Peterson Christmas. Telarc. 1995. CD.

Presley, Elvis. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Elvis’ Christmas. Special Music Company. 1995. 1985. CD. (previously pub. by BMG Music.)

Presley, Elvis. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Elvis Christmas. BMG Music. 2006. CD.

Presley, Elvis. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. If Every Day Was Like Christmas. BMG Music. 1994. 1957, 1966, 1971. CD.

Presley, Elvis. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. the Time-Life Treasury of Christmas. Time-Life Music. 1997. CD.

Presley, Elvis & Carrie Underwood. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas Duets. RCA Nashville. 2008. CD.

Rascal Flatts. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Greatest Hits, Volume 1. Lyric Street. 2008. CD.

Robertson Family. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Duck the Halls. EMI Records. 2013. CD.

Ronstadt, Linda. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Merry Little Christmas. Elektra. 2000.CD.

Seeley, Drew. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A Disney Channel Holiday. Walt Disney Records. 2007. CD.

She & Him. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. A very She & Him Christmas. Merge Records. 2011. CD.

Simpson, Jessica. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Happy Christmas. Primary Wave. 2010. CD.

Sinatra, Frank. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas with the Rat Pack. Capitol Records. 2002. 1954-70. CD.

Smith, Mindy. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. My Holiday. Vanguard Records. 2007. CD.

Spector, Jarrod. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas. Rhino, 2011. CD.

Straight No Chaser. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas Cheers. Atlantic Records. 2009. CD.

Streisand, Barbra. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Now That’s What I Call Christmas! 2. Capitol. 2003. CD.

Stylistics. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Soulful Christmas. Time-Life Music. 2001. CD.

*Three Tenors. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. The Three Tenors Christmas. Sony Classical. 2000. CD.

Travolta, John & Barbra Streisand. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. This Christmas. UMe. 2012. CD.

Vale, Jerry. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas Star Time. CBS. n.d. CD.

Weiland, Scott. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Softdrive Records. 2011. CD.

Wheeler, Cyndi & Del McCoury Band. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Christmas on the Mountain. Universal. 2002. CD.

Whitmire, Stan. “Merry Christmas, Darling/ I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Pooler, F. & Carpenter, R./ Kent, W. & Gannon, K., Ram, B. A Piano Christmas. Green Hill Productions. 1994. CD.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Kent, Walter, Gannon, J. Kimball, Ram, Buck. Party Tyme Karaoke Christmas 2. Sybersound Records. 2004. CD.

 Rascal Flatts* (video above) have the honor this year (though it came out in 2008) of my favorite version. They re-arranged the song & put the opening bit in the middle. Their harmonies are as good as ever. Great job. Click HERE if video does not load.

30% of all royalties from "I'll Be Home for Christmas" go to St. Lawrence University, Kim Gannon's Alma Mater. 

* I do not own any rights to this. Shared from Rascal Flatts official You Tube account.

Everlasting Lights 2012

OK, so I am blogging a little late tonight. (Or a little early this morning, a day late.) But I had e-mails to answer & my daughter was with me. (Sans math homework so it went better than last week, but I still wound up listening to One Direction, et al from her Ipod.)

Anyway, my daughter suggested I write about the Everlasting Lights. The trees looked so lovely in the dark tonight. We took a few pictures. The ceremony took place over the weekend with founder Elaine Kelly's brother, Larry Wilbur, reading the names of all the loved ones being remembered. Debi Craig played harp. Paula Sawyer, Brad Kelly & Marc Luther sang. Supervisor Idelman said a few words. Pastor McCaskill spoke. There are 45 trees this year. Take a stroll through The Commons and view them by day or night.

45 trees lit up in memoriam

slightly enhanced closeup of the 45 trees on display

Everlasting Lights 2012

& here is Sarah McLachlan singing "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (Lyrics by the late Kim Gannon, former Greenwich resident, but you know that already.) Happy Holidays!

I'll Be Home For Christmas... as promised

As many of you know, either because you are very smart (& that's why I love you), or because you read my blog (also why I love you), J. Kimball "Kim" Gannon, the lyricist who wrote "I'll Be Home For Christmas," lived in Greenwich for over 25 years. The Brooklyn native graduated from St. Laurence University, where he dabbled in writing, and even penned the alma mater. Then it was off to Albany Law School and five years of practicing law in Ballston Spa while playing piano for WGY on the side. During this time he married his sweetheart Norma, whom he met in college.*

Sheet music cover

His Hollywood success occurred from about 1941-47. During this time he garnered three Academy Award nominations! Who knew?

Academy Award nominations for Best Song- all lyrics by Kim Gannon#

1942- "Always In My Heart" from Always In My Heart, music by Ernesto Lecuona

1944- "Too Much In Love" from Song of the Open Road starring Jane Powell, music: Walter Kent

1945- "Endlessly" from Earl Carroll Vanities, music: Walter Kent

Yeah, I know! What the h... kind of film title is Earl Carroll Vanities? Oh, I guess it's a Ziegfeld Follies type musical, but low-budget. I couldn't find a trailer or still, but Eve Arden was in it, so it can't be all bad.``

During this time in Hollywood, he wrote his Christmas standard that Bing Crosby decided to record after Kim pitched it to him during a game of golf in 1943!* Here is Mr. Crosby's 1943 recording...

Kim Gannon died in 1974. His wife Norma died in 2000. With Norma's death, 30% of the royalties of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" now go to St. Laurence University. A spokesperson for the university estimates that they receive between $20,000 to $30,000 each year! Last year the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) stated that from October 1, 2010 to December 1, 2010, the song was played over 20,000 times!^ I wonder how many times I will here it this year? One more time with feeling! Johnny Mathis' 1958 rendition...

* Nason, Marilyn, "Gannon Penned Yule 'Standard'" Albany, NY: Times Union, December 21, 1958
# http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/ampas_awards/DisplayMain.jsp?curTime=1323342094784
`` http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/125228/Earl-Carroll-Vanities/overview
^ http://www.stlawu.edu/news/homeforchristmas2010.html