#10 “Who Would Imagine a King”
Performed by Whitney Houston from the movie The Preacher’s Wife
This song hails from what is reported to be the best-selling gospel album of all time, Whitney Houston’s soundtrack to the movie The Preacher’s Wife. Written byMervyn Warren and Hallerin Hilton Hill for the movie, this original song has become a classic solo praised for its quiet beauty and reverence to the reason for the season. Whitney’s vocals sparkle and shine on this tune, making it clear why she will understandably go down in history as being “The Voice.”
#9 “Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto”
Performed by James Brown
It’s a rarity to find today a song that can speak to poverty and Christmas in the same verse, but that’s what James Brown does on this timeless track. Effortlessly funky with its socially conscious focus, this track is a baby boomer favorite that many from the new generation can relate to still, unfortunately. But, there won’t be any sadness here. Instead, this song is an upbeat taste of reality mixed with an air of celebration. While the lyrics are unapologetically honest and real, the tune is quick to get you hot-stepping, possibly leading you to grabbing a partner to do a tip on the dance floor and get your hand-dance on.
#8 “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
Performed by The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 has so many fun renditions of Christmas classics that it was hard to narrow it down. Baltimore-based reader Lyn Honablew helped make it easy to choose though, asserting that this tune deserves to make the list because of its power to elevate her mood. “One of my top 10 is definitely ‘Santa Is Coming to Town’ by the Jackson 5,” she writes. “That song puts a smile on my face and keeps me singing at the top of my lungs.”
#7 “Santa Baby”
Performed by Eartha Kitt
Sexy and sultry Eartha Kitt literally purrs on this Christmas classic that she originally recorded in 1953 and followed up with an up-tempo version in 1963. Enduring more than fifty years, this classic tune is a fun ode to Santa Claus from a woman who is unabashedly materialistic and accustomed to the finer things in life—from a yacht to a sable mink. Later recordings of this song by more than three dozen other artists in all genres of music—from country and pop to rock and soul—still can’t live up to the original naughtiness easily captured and conveyed by the original recording artist.
#6 “Let It Snow”
Performed by Boys II Men featuring Brian McKnight
Reader Kellie McCants-Price voted “Let It Snow” as one of her top picks. This song, composed and performed by Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight from the 1993 Boyz II Men album Christmas Interpretations, is a beautiful harmonic experience that is welcomed every year. Capturing the reflective quality that adorns every Boyz II Men song, “Let It Snow” reminds you about family, the importance of loved ones, and the celebration of a year completed.
#5 “Every Year, Every Christmas” 
Performed by Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was the consummate performer, exuding perfection in every note. His Christmas song “Every Year, Every Christmas” does not disappoint in bringing that perfection to the listening ear during the holiday season. Released in 1995 and written by Luther Vandross and Richard Marx, this tune is a family gathering must-have and a perennial reminder of the wondrous vocal talent that was Luther Vandross.
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via Soul Train
