The Stories Behind Your Favorite Christmas Songs

This Fresh Air Plus bonus episode features a collection of interviews centered around the stories behind famous Christmas songs. Terry Gross presents excerpts from past interviews, including a 1977 conversation with Mel Torme about co-writing "The Christmas Song," a 1989 interview with Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, the songwriters behind "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a segment from a recent interview with Jon Batiste, where he plays and discusses his favorite Christmas songs. The episode explores the creative processes, personal stories, and lasting impact of these beloved holiday classics.