Frosty the Snowman airs on CBS tonight, and just like the television holiday special season is in full swing. You can find a listing of shows here. See how well you know Frosty, the Grinch and other seasonal stars who have been bringing the holiday spirit to us through our TVs for generations with these facts about TV Christmas specials.
Which comedian narrated and song the title song in the 1969 Rankin/Bass animated version of “Frosty the Snowman”?
Jimmy Durante narrated “Frosty the Snowman.” Jackie Vernon voiced Frosty. It was Durante’s last film appearance with the exception of documentaries and one short film appearance. June Foray voiced Karen, as well as all the other children for the original broadcast.
How many years were there between the release of the song “Frosty the Snowman” and the first airing of the TV special?
The song came out in 1950, and the show aired for the first time in 1969. It was the first Rankin/Bass Christmas special to utilize traditional animation.
What show is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year?
That would be my very favorite, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Am I total dork for admitting that I was so excited to see these stamps in honor of the occasion? Yeah, I thought so, but they were just too cute to pass up.
What is the name of the narrator in Rankin/Bass’ “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”?
Sam the Snowman narrates the Rudolph special released in 1964. Burl Ives provided his voice and sings both the title song as well as the songs “Silver and Gold” and “”Holly, Jolly Christmas,” which was written by Johnny Marks.
In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Lucy says that Christmas is “a big commercial racket.” Who does she claim is running it?
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” debuted in 1965, she says of the big commercial racket, “It’s run by a big Eastern syndicate, you know.” Network executives did not object to that line, but they were nervous about the portion when Linus recites the Gospel of Luke from the King James Bible to explain the true meaning of Christmas. Network executives did not want that scene in the special, but Charles Schulz insisted on keeping it.
Who was the voice of the Grinch and the narrator in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”? Who sang “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”?
Boris Karloff voiced the Grinch despite Dr. Seuss’ concerns that the former Frankenstein actor would be too scary. He did not, however, sing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Although he was not credited for his singing, Thurl Ravenscroft performed the famous song. He was also known for giving voice to Tony the Tiger. They’re Grrrrrrreat!
John Denver appeared in a Christmas TV special with the Muppets in 1979 creatively named “John Denver and the Muppets: Christmas Together.” The soundtrack from it has become very popular. It includes what song featured in Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and features which Muppet?
The soundtrack features the tune “When the River Meets the Sea” which Denver sings with Robin, Kermit’s nephew. It hasn’t completely gone away, either. In 2011, the Muppets sang the song with Jimmy Fallon.
What’s your favorite TV Christmas special?
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