The final Xmas album put out by Firestone in the 60s is a classic! It was via this album that I got to hear the great voice of Leontyne Price for the very first time. There's also outstanding vocal work by Nicolai Gedda, John Gary, Vikki Carr and the Vienna Boys Choir, and as always, the Firestone Choir and Orchestra are a delight. And, let's not forget the formidable arranging and conducting skills of the late, great Maestro Irwin Kostal!
If "Rise up Shepherd and Follow" had ever been released to FM stations in 60's, 70's, it would be considered a classic song by all today. At the end, when the man sings, 'RISE UP SHEPHERD AND FOLLOW!!", it sends shivers down my spine. It would be in the top 20 of every classic song list that they do around 3 day weekends. It thrills me like,....Like A Rolling Stone, Won't Get Fooled Again and Born to Run. A genuine classic that still thrills me even 50 years later.....I could do a write-up on every song here!
This album was the soundtrack to Christmas in my family's house from about 1968 till the early 1980's (until the album wore out!) It is so great to hear it again!
I want to let you know that I appreciate your posting the Firestone collection of Christmas records so very much. I grew up listening to these excellent records, and to be able to hear them now us a huge blessing. I listened to them throughout this past Christmas season and it was quite a gift to me. Thank you so very much.
When I was five, I lived in Conroe, Texas, and my father commuted to Houston. He got this album from filling up at the Shell station. It brings back long lost memories!
I remember as a young boy, hearing this in the early 70's. Now, looking back life was simpler, more pure when the world praised, celebrated and looked forward to the birth of Jesus Christ.
WOW!!!! We played this year after year when I was kid in the 70's! Bout cried when I heard "Rise Up Shepard's and Follow!" Never thought I'd hear it again. God bless you for posting. Christmas is complete again!
Chris Hopkins "Rise Up Shepard" is my absolute favorite on the whole album. Thanks so much for listening and for your wonderful comments! Merry Christmas :))
That particular one is my favorite/most nostalgic, too. I was born in the late 70s, but I'm the youngest, and we have played them every single year since them. I'm using this youtube because we're a few rooms away from the record player. Will put them on in about an hour.... But I feel the same way. It's nice to see others make these comments.
Thrilled to find this. My Uncle Irwin Kostal was a part of creating Firestone Presents Christmas albums, and I'd listen to them all every year. I think is where I gained my first childhood appreciation for Christmas Carols. Thanks again for posting these.
My Father use to shop at the Firestone Store in Birmingham Alabama so we had this Album and other Firestone Christmas Albums it brings back fond memories thank you for sharing.
I can't imagine these classic recordings being played on any of the FM stations in my area. They'll most likely play stuff by the likes of Mariah Carey, who isn't a singer as far as I'm concerned.
I could listen to this over and over...so many childhood memories here! Like others, it's not Christmas without "this" Firestone Christmas Album!! Vicki Carr says it all...I still believe in Christmas!
My parents had this album when I was a kid. Nice to see it's still out there in some form. The medley at the start followed by "Rise Up Shepherds" always sounds like Christmas to me.
I feel the same way--it's not the Christmas season until the Firestone records come out! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for commenting! Merry Christmas :))
Firestone albums, wassail aroma, old Christmas standards - these are the iconic memories of happiness I have from my childhood, that I thank you now for allowing me to share these memories through this grand music with my own children :)
jiminycracker That's wonderful! I'm so glad you're able to share this with your kids! The albums brings back lots of great memories from my childhood, too. Thanks so much for your wonderful comments! Merry Christmas :))
We got this when I was about 10. It's engraved on my memory and I'm positive it's being played just a hair too fast. But, the arrangements are wonderful.
Thank you so much!!! I would listen to this album over and over as a child. This is my first Christmas without my parents and listening to this has given me so much. So many memories. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! tears of joy. :)
One of my favs. We would put this on, get some hot chocolate and lay around our Christmas tree and look out our picture window. It's amazing what kept us entertained at that age! I love this. Thanks for posting!
teambanzai406 What wonderful memories! We did something along those lines, too. I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for listening and commenting! Merry Christmas :))
Living in Sterling Colorado as a kid. I remember my dad bringing this album home, the manager of the Firestone dealership gave to him for getting 4 new tires.
I love John Gary on here, too...the first things I ever heard him sing, and your upload a couple of months ago reminded me just how much I love his voice. Yes, her version of "O Holy Night" is exceptional. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jim! Thanks so much for your comments--happy holidays to you, too, my friend! :))
This is Absolutely Magnificent! I grew up on these recordings! Thank you so much for sharing it. I have ordered this album and to other volume albums before getting a turntable. Wonderful! Sam
I saw this album today at a thrift store and bought it. I'm a Firestone and thought it would be cool to bring out the Firestone Christmas music at the holidays! Its pretty good too!
Wow. I had forgotten Rise Up Shepherd and Follow. Just like everyone else, when my mother pulled out these Firestone albums, then it was truly Christmastime. It's great to find them out here.
Same here, Mike, and Rise Up Shepherd is my favorite on this one--my introduction to the great John Gary. Thanks for listening and commenting. Merry Christmas! :))
Can't thank you enough for sharing this. It's one of my very favorite childhood Christmas albums. I still listen to a copy I made on cassette from my parent's album. If I sell my car, I won't have any players left to play it on!
Barry Wilhelm I'm so glad you're enjoying it! It's one of my very favorites from my childhood, too, and John Gary's "Rise Up, Shepherd" is still my favorite from this one. Thanks so much for listening and for your wonderful comments :))
That's my favorite as well. (Semi-embarrassing disclosure: if I'm singing along, I sometimes can't sing the final 15 seconds - I get too emotional!) In fact, it was my search for this very song that led me to your video. Thanks again!
It makes me emotional, too :) I'm so glad it was here for you to find--I was surprised it hadn't been posted before. I'm still amazed to hear how many people grew up with these albums and love them as much as I did :)
Thanks so much for posting this. This was my favorite Christmas album growing up as a child. Recently I bought all the Firestone Christmas albums on vinyl, but I won't have to go to the hassle of digitizing this one thanks to you. :-)
"Rise Up" is also my favorites, though I love them all. This one and volume 6 were played again and again when I was growing up -- and through the present, I think that we have played them every years since -- over 40 years and running! I'll be putting them on in a few days! Thank you again for posting these (I was overjoyed to see these up when you first posted them, and I made the picky comment that your turntable is spinning a tad too fast!). It's nice to see that these records mean something to so many people. Thank you again, and Merry Christmas!
David Kim I love them all, too, and we still play them every year as well. Yes, I've gotten several comments about the speed. Unfortunately, I'm relatively low-tech, equipment-wise, and this is the best I can do, at least for the present. I agree, it's nice to see how much these albums mean to so many. Merry Christmas to you, too! :)
I wonder how many people realize the conductor, Irwin Kostal, is the same man who conducted orchestras for "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" movies?
Just Wonderful, Heather! Love John Gary's work on this one. Leontyne Price's rendition of "Oh Holy Night" has to be one of the Best I have ever heard. 1968, I remember it well. Thank You So Much, my Friend! Happy Holidays!! Jim
The Bells of Christmas is one of my favorites. Yes, John Gary sings It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. Thanks for listening and commenting. Merry Christmas!
They just released John Gary's Christmas album on CD (Real Gone label), and I was hoping they'd have included these tracks of his from this LP..... unfortunately not. The same label did a great Robert Goulet release last year (see my amazon review from 11/10/14) and that included tracks of his from similar releases (duets with wife Carol Lawrence). Good stuff.
Mr S-- Deferring to your musical literacy, was there not a Volume 8 of the "Firestone presents..." Christmas series? I have a track listing of such a release, but that's all that I have. Having captured all of the other seven, I wish to, if available, capture the eighth. Do you have, yourself, the eighth edition of that series, and, if so, would you be willing to upload it to UA-cam? Thanking you in advance for any info that you can provide. The Bear in his Lair
I've never seen an 8th Firestone volume, Randy, but if I were to ever run across one, I'd definitely upload it. Thanks for listening and commenting :)) ~Heather
If you really want to hear Leotyne's voice slow the turntable down. This is too fast and she sounds almost like a chipmunk. Slow it down and you will really hear O Holy Night.
My childhood best Christmas album.
The final Xmas album put out by Firestone in the 60s is a classic! It was via this album that I got to hear the great voice of Leontyne Price for the very first time. There's also outstanding vocal work by Nicolai Gedda, John Gary, Vikki Carr and the Vienna Boys Choir, and as always, the Firestone Choir and Orchestra are a delight. And, let's not forget the formidable arranging and conducting skills of the late, great Maestro Irwin Kostal!
If "Rise up Shepherd and Follow" had ever been released to FM stations in 60's, 70's, it would be considered a classic song by all today. At the end, when the man sings, 'RISE UP SHEPHERD AND FOLLOW!!", it sends shivers down my spine. It would be in the top 20 of every classic song list that they do around 3 day weekends. It thrills me like,....Like A Rolling Stone, Won't Get Fooled Again and Born to Run. A genuine classic that still thrills me even 50 years later.....I could do a write-up on every song here!
This album was the soundtrack to Christmas in my family's house from about 1968 till the early 1980's (until the album wore out!) It is so great to hear it again!
My mom had the Firestone set I was just 5
I want to let you know that I appreciate your posting the Firestone collection of Christmas records so very much. I grew up listening to these excellent records, and to be able to hear them now us a huge blessing. I listened to them throughout this past Christmas season and it was quite a gift to me.
Thank you so very much.
When I was five, I lived in Conroe, Texas, and my father commuted to Houston. He got this album from filling up at the Shell station. It brings back long lost memories!
This was our family’s Christmas album! It brings back so many great memories! Thank you!!
Same here…
The rise up Shepard and follow was sung in my choir senior year at a church Christmas preformance we used my record as training on how to sing it
I remember as a young boy, hearing this in the early 70's. Now, looking back life was simpler, more pure when the world praised, celebrated and looked forward to the birth of Jesus Christ.
otherwise known as the Watergate Era ... don't kid yourself, sweetie, things weren't as pure as you're pretending in the early '70s
WOW!!!! We played this year after year when I was kid in the 70's! Bout cried when I heard "Rise Up Shepard's and Follow!" Never thought I'd hear it again. God bless you for posting. Christmas is complete again!
Chris Hopkins "Rise Up Shepard" is my absolute favorite on the whole album. Thanks so much for listening and for your wonderful comments! Merry Christmas :))
That particular one is my favorite/most nostalgic, too. I was born in the late 70s, but I'm the youngest, and we have played them every single year since them. I'm using this youtube because we're a few rooms away from the record player. Will put them on in about an hour.... But I feel the same way. It's nice to see others make these comments.
Thrilled to find this. My Uncle Irwin Kostal was a part of creating Firestone Presents Christmas albums, and I'd listen to them all every year. I think is where I gained my first childhood appreciation for Christmas Carols. Thanks again for posting these.
Mr. Kostal was a brilliant arranger/conductor. He handled orchestration and conducting duties on Volumes 4, 6 and 7 in the Firestone Christmas series.
Good for you! I love this one so much - from '68, right around by birth. Good Christian Men Rejoice is one of the greatest versions!
Tires or Christmas albums---Firestone never disappointed🥰
@Sorrowful Flower, 2 years have gone by since I asked why Sorrowful. I hope you have found beauty. Thank you for loving Christmas and hope.
My Father use to shop at the Firestone Store in Birmingham Alabama so we had this Album and other Firestone Christmas Albums it brings back fond memories thank you for sharing.
I'm glad it brings back some happy memories, Hubert! Thanks for listening and commenting :))
Can you ever imagine your local FM radio these days playing nice songs like this? I know I can’t.
I can't imagine these classic recordings being played on any of the FM stations in my area. They'll most likely play stuff by the likes of Mariah Carey, who isn't a singer as far as I'm concerned.
I could listen to this over and over...so many childhood memories here! Like others, it's not Christmas without "this" Firestone Christmas Album!! Vicki Carr says it all...I still believe in Christmas!
I'm amazed at how many people love these albums--it's wonderful! It's not Christmas at my house without them, either! Thanks for commenting :)
We had this one too. Good Christian Men Rejoice and Rise Up Shepherd are highlights in addition to Vicki Carr.
This is the only Firestone album we had when I was a kid.
My parents had this album when I was a kid. Nice to see it's still out there in some form. The medley at the start followed by "Rise Up Shepherds" always sounds like Christmas to me.
Jeff Fecke I agree, it sure does. Thanks for listening and commenting! I hope you had a very merry Christmas :))
Thank you so much for saving this. I thought I’d never hear these again.
I feel the same way--it's not the Christmas season until the Firestone records come out! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for commenting! Merry Christmas :))
Firestone albums, wassail aroma, old Christmas standards - these are the iconic memories of happiness I have from my childhood, that I thank you now for allowing me to share these memories through this grand music with my own children
:)
jiminycracker That's wonderful! I'm so glad you're able to share this with your kids! The albums brings back lots of great memories from my childhood, too. Thanks so much for your wonderful comments! Merry Christmas :))
We got this when I was about 10. It's engraved on my memory and I'm positive it's being played just a hair too fast. But, the arrangements are wonderful.
Nothing takes me back like this album. I remember it all so well! Many thanks!
I feel the same way! Thanks so much for commenting! Merry Christmas :)
I remember beautiful memories of listening to this album after everyone was asleep with the Christmas tree lights on. Thanks for uploading.
Lovely memories, Delia! Thanks for listening and commenting. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much!!! I would listen to this album over and over as a child. This is my first Christmas without my parents and listening to this has given me so much. So many memories. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! tears of joy. :)
Merry Christmas.Hang in there.
You're welcome! Thanks for listening and commenting. Happy New Year!
One of my favs. We would put this on, get some hot chocolate and lay around our Christmas tree and look out our picture window. It's amazing what kept us entertained at that age! I love this. Thanks for posting!
teambanzai406 What wonderful memories! We did something along those lines, too. I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for listening and commenting! Merry Christmas :))
Living in Sterling Colorado as a kid.
I remember my dad bringing this album home, the manager of the Firestone dealership gave to him for getting 4 new tires.
Lived there back in 1969 too funny. Played same album :-)
I love John Gary on here, too...the first things I ever heard him sing, and your upload a couple of months ago reminded me just how much I love his voice. Yes, her version of "O Holy Night" is exceptional. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jim! Thanks so much for your comments--happy holidays to you, too, my friend! :))
Love it! We had this album when I was a kid....my sister and I played it over and over! I look for it on iTunes all the time. Thank You!
Listening now, Volume 7.
This is Absolutely Magnificent! I grew up on these recordings! Thank you so much for sharing it. I have ordered this album and to other volume albums before getting a turntable. Wonderful! Sam
Have CD, one of the best of Firestone, course that's just me being nostalgic
I saw this album today at a thrift store and bought it. I'm a Firestone and thought it would be cool to bring out the Firestone Christmas music at the holidays! Its pretty good too!
That IS very cool! Yes, it's a great album! Thanks for commenting :))
Wow. I had forgotten Rise Up Shepherd and Follow. Just like everyone else, when my mother pulled out these Firestone albums, then it was truly Christmastime. It's great to find them out here.
Same here, Mike, and Rise Up Shepherd is my favorite on this one--my introduction to the great John Gary. Thanks for listening and commenting. Merry Christmas! :))
I could never figure out whether John Gary was a tenor or a baritone, but in the end it didn't matter; he was a great singer!! Rest in peace, John.
Can't thank you enough for sharing this. It's one of my very favorite childhood Christmas albums. I still listen to a copy I made on cassette from my parent's album. If I sell my car, I won't have any players left to play it on!
Barry Wilhelm I'm so glad you're enjoying it! It's one of my very favorites from my childhood, too, and John Gary's "Rise Up, Shepherd" is still my favorite from this one. Thanks so much for listening and for your wonderful comments :))
That's my favorite as well. (Semi-embarrassing disclosure: if I'm singing along, I sometimes can't sing the final 15 seconds - I get too emotional!) In fact, it was my search for this very song that led me to your video. Thanks again!
It makes me emotional, too :) I'm so glad it was here for you to find--I was surprised it hadn't been posted before. I'm still amazed to hear how many people grew up with these albums and love them as much as I did :)
So Don sell your car LOL......
This is wonderful!
Love Love Love Thank You So Much :-)
Thanks so much for posting this. This was my favorite Christmas album growing up as a child. Recently I bought all the Firestone Christmas albums on vinyl, but I won't have to go to the hassle of digitizing this one thanks to you. :-)
This was one of my two favorites, Brian. Glad it saved you some hassle! Thanks for listening and commenting :))
These albums were always a part of Christmas at our house (still are) Thanks for posting-Merry Christmas!
+pghsquid Still a part of Christmas at my house, too. Merry Christmas!
So cool! I remember this record album! Thank you for sharing with us. What fun!
Krista Harmon You're welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying it :))
"Rise Up" is also my favorites, though I love them all. This one and volume 6 were played again and again when I was growing up -- and through the present, I think that we have played them every years since -- over 40 years and running! I'll be putting them on in a few days! Thank you again for posting these (I was overjoyed to see these up when you first posted them, and I made the picky comment that your turntable is spinning a tad too fast!). It's nice to see that these records mean something to so many people. Thank you again, and Merry Christmas!
David Kim I love them all, too, and we still play them every year as well. Yes, I've gotten several comments about the speed. Unfortunately, I'm relatively low-tech, equipment-wise, and this is the best I can do, at least for the present. I agree, it's nice to see how much these albums mean to so many. Merry Christmas to you, too! :)
WOW... :-) Thank you so very much.
My pleasure, Kevin :)
Merry Christmas, thanx for posting
+Sj Hall Merry Christmas :))
I wonder how many people realize the conductor, Irwin Kostal, is the same man who conducted orchestras for "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" movies?
I sure didn't realize it! Thanks for sharing that :))
You bet!
I knew that Maestro Kostal was music director for those two Julie Andrews classics.
Didn't have a clue until just now! Thanks.
Just Wonderful, Heather! Love John Gary's work on this one. Leontyne Price's rendition of "Oh Holy Night" has to be one of the Best I have ever heard. 1968, I remember it well. Thank You So Much, my Friend! Happy Holidays!!
Jim
Amen!
This is how I found you.2 yr sub.Merry Christmas!Still have my grandparents alum, albeit well worn.
2 years already! Glad you're still 'here'! Happy New Year!
YESSSSSS! Thank you!!!!
The Bells of Christmas are ringing delivers the shivers of so many Christmas's before. And is it John Gary who sings It Came Upon a Midnight clear?
The Bells of Christmas is one of my favorites. Yes, John Gary sings It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. Thanks for listening and commenting. Merry Christmas!
They just released John Gary's Christmas album on CD (Real Gone label), and I was hoping they'd have included these tracks of his from this LP..... unfortunately not. The same label did a great Robert Goulet release last year (see my amazon review from 11/10/14) and that included tracks of his from similar releases (duets with wife Carol Lawrence). Good stuff.
I imagine that is on YT?
Win Win
The Firestone Christmas Favorites Volumes 1,2, & 7 were my favorites! Would love for you to put Volumes 1 & 2 on You Tube!
Will do, Michael! Look for them later this year (probably late November). Thanks for listening and commenting :))
~Heather
2:05 Hark the Herald angels sing
I love it, grew up to this stuff... Do you have the Good Year albums too ? I see two on here from another youtuber...
I only have one of the Goodyear albums, number 5, I believe. I'll try to post the entire album very soon. Thanks for listening and commenting :))
You're welcome!! :))
thanks! Do you have more of the Firestone Christmas Albums?
You're welcome! Yes, I've got them all.
anxiously awaiting seeing some more!!! Such awesome memories! Just the best - thank you so much! :)
You're welcome! I hope to have more up soon :)
Win
Do you have more of the Firestone christmas
Yes, I've got 3 full albums already uploaded, and will be uploading at least one more before Christmas.
Mr S--
Deferring to your musical literacy, was there not a Volume 8 of the "Firestone presents..." Christmas series? I have a track listing of such a release, but that's all that I have. Having captured all of the other seven, I wish to, if available, capture the eighth. Do you have, yourself, the eighth edition of that series, and, if so, would you be willing to upload it to UA-cam?
Thanking you in advance for any info that you can provide.
The Bear in his Lair
I've never seen an 8th Firestone volume, Randy, but if I were to ever run across one, I'd definitely upload it. Thanks for listening and commenting :))
~Heather
To the best of my knowledge, Vol. 7 was the final LP in the Firestone Xmas series.
26:48
If you really want to hear Leotyne's voice slow the turntable down. This is too fast and she sounds almost like a chipmunk. Slow it down and you will really hear O Holy Night.
Why don't you tell us who's singing what? Don't you think potential listeners would like to know that?
Do you think the snarky way you asked that is going to make me want to do anything about it?
Win