Epsiode 43: Jingle Bells

In this festive episode of the A Tisket-Tasket Podcast, host Gina unwraps the captivating history of the timeless classic "Jingle Bells." Check out her reference page and more information on her blog at atiskettasketpodcast.com. Tracing its origins back to the 19th century, Gina explores the controversial figure behind the song, James Lord Pierpont, and the surprising twists in its early intentions, from being a Thanksgiving tune to potentially a drinking song. Despite its contested origins, "Jingle Bells" has become a universal anthem of celebration, transcending cultural and language barriers. From its first audio recording by Thomas Edison in 1889 to being one of the first songs broadcasted from space, this episode unveils the global impact of this iconic winter staple. Discover how "Jingle Bells" has harmonized its way into movies, including classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Join Gina as she unwraps the joyful and sometimes controversial journey of "Jingle Bells," highlighting its enduring presence across generations worldwide. #JingleBellsHistory #ChristmasClassics #HolidayTunes #PodcastMagic #GlobalHarmony

Transcript

Gina: 0:00

Hello everyone. And welcome to another episode of A Tisket-Tasket Podcast.T. I'm your host, Gina. And normally I take a look into the enchanting in sometimes downright weird world of nursery rhymes. But for the month of December, I thought I'd explore some festive nursery, rhymes and songs. Today, we're diving into the festive tradition of timeless classics. Jingle bells. So grab your hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire and let's unwrap the history of this beloved holiday tune. To start things off, let's travel back to the 19th century. A time when jingle bells made its first appearance. Many believe it was written by James Lord. Pierpont at Simpson's Tavern in Medford, Massachusetts. First published in 1785, it was titled the one horse open sleigh. James blurred, pure ponds, a songwriter and musician is credited with composing jingle bells. I use composing. Loosely. However, the song wasn't originally intended for Christmas. It was first pen for Thanksgiving. And some even claimed it was written as a drinking song. Sleigh riding a popular sport in new England. What's the inspiration with lyrics telling a daring of high-speed Horsley racist. More over there are rumors that the song was meant for Sydney school. But I couldn't find any historical claims supporting this. It is worth noting that peer ponds. Was a strong supporter of the Confederacy. Initially dedicated the song to John P Ordway who ran a blackface minstrel troupe called Orwell aliens. Additionally pure pond was the uncle of faint banker, JP Morgan, who actually had some published. In 1857. Scholars don't seem to be. kInd to peer Ponce legacy. In any case, the song was republished by Albert Dickson and co. In 1859 in Boston. Under the title, jingle bells. It wasn't until the 1860s and the 1870s. That the song became associated with Christmas. The first audio recording of jingle bells was by our pal Thomas Edison in 1889 on an Edison cylinder. But, the first original recording was lost. However, we do have a remastered recording. Despite its contested origins, jingle bells. joyful, carefree spirits. Finding its way into the hearts of winter festivities. Now let's listen to Edison's 1889 version. Originally called sleigh ride party.

Microphone (G733 Gaming Headset)-7: 6:08

C'mon that's the song we all know and love for the season. Right. Jingle bells was in the style of the then very popular slay writing songs. Despite claims to plagiarisms Pierpont is credited with writing it, and it is associated with JP Morgan, which likely contributed to its popularity.

Microphone (G733 Gaming Headset)-9: 6:28

They called, I found particularly amusing when I was researching this. Is by researcher kind of Hamel who writes everything about the song is turned out in, copied from other people and lines from other songs. There's nothing original about it. I really want to read what else CA Hamill has to say about pure pot because I doubt it's anything. Good. But in any case,

Microphone (G733 Gaming Headset)-11: 6:53

Jingle bells as a song, as a Christmas, Carol. Popularity. It cannot be denied. Whether it be an English speaking countries or around the world. Jingle bells. It isn't. Confined to one culture language. It's transcended borders becoming the universal Anthem of Christmas. And I honestly can't think of another Christmas song that I would think defines the season. And any case the song has found commercial success in Japan in has been adapted with local lyrics in Germany, Russia, South Korea, India, and the UK. Australia has its own version with its own lyrics. And I really want an Australian to explain them to me because the Australian slang is just over. It goes over my head. And I really want to know because I bet it's hilarious. So if you are an Australian and you're listening to this podcast and you want to get on a discord call and explain this to me, I would be more than happy to listen. But in any case from the silver screen to pop tarts, jingle bells has been featured in of course, countless movies, TV shows, and recorded by various artists. Notable versions include being Crosby and the Andrews sisters in 1943, as well as Glenn Miller's 1941 version. Movies that probably dominantly feature jingle bells off the top of my head include 1946. It's a wonderful life. This instance, movie in 2007, polar express in 2004 hum. Alone in 1990 diehard in 1988. And of course national Lampoon's Christmas vacation in 1989. Feel free to comment what your favorite Christmas movie is. And if it's. Includes a jingle bells. I also think it was included in elf in the early two thousands as well, which is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all times. But not only is this song popular among different countries and appears in different movies, but did you know that jingle bells. Was one of the first songs broadcasted from space. That's right in 1965, jeopardize six astronauts, Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra play a Christmas theme prank by reporting a mysterious object in space. Traveling. North to south and repeatedly being called a he. Before producing a harmonica enslave bowls to broadcast their rendition of jingle bells and ground controls. Response was hilarious. Definitely check it out. If you haven't, it's just definitely worthwhile to seek. But as we wrap up our festive journey through time, it is clear that jingle bells has endured. This by being associated with controversial figures, like Pierpont in his plagiarism. It is a door to be one of the most loved Christmas songs. It has evolved capturing the hearts of generations worldwide even though we don't really do sleigh riding anymore. And it's a Testament to the power of music and tradition. That it continues to spread joy. Thank you for joining me on this delightful episode, attempting to uncover the mystery. Of one of America's most recognizable Christmas students. Tune in next week where we will continue to explore the weirdness of nursery rhymes. And happy holidays.

10:18

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