Published by composer Leroy Anderson in 1948, the original orchestral version of “Sleigh Ride” (a rondo with excellent sound effects perfect for our “bells” theme!) was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, for whom it has become a signature piece. Hoagy Carmichael collaborator Mitchell Parish (“Star Dust”, “Riverboat Shuffle”, etc.) penned lyrics for the piece in 1950 and The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis recorded it in 1950, ‘52 and ‘58 respectively, followed by over 400 additional covers since. It is often associated with the Christmas, both on record compilations and holiday concerts, but it really has nothing to do with Christmas other than a sleigh ride used to be what many would do when Christmas was “white”! In any event, ASCAP ranks “Sleigh Ride” as one of the most popular pieces of Christmas music of all time.