History Daily 1277: The First Performance of “White Christmas”
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Dec 25, 2025 Discover the enchanting backstory of Irving Berlin's beloved song, "White Christmas," composed during a solitary Christmas Eve. Learn how Berlin's personal tragedies shaped his heartfelt music and propelled his Hollywood career. Hear about Bing Crosby's iconic performance on December 25, 1941, and the song's deep emotional resonance during wartime. Finally, explore its remarkable journey to an Academy Award and status as the best-selling single, leaving a lasting legacy in music history.
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Solitary Composition At La Quinta
- Irving Berlin wrote the first draft of 'White Christmas' alone in a Palm Springs hotel on Christmas Eve while missing his family.
- He titled the page 'White Christmas' and sketched lyrics about sleigh bells, snow, and longing for home.
Personal Tragedy Shaping A Song
- Irving and his wife mourned their infant son's death on Christmas, which deepened the melancholy in his music.
- That grief resurfaced years later and influenced the wistful tone of 'White Christmas.'
First Public Performance On Air
- Bing Crosby chose to debut 'White Christmas' on his Christmas Day radio show in 1941 despite wartime tensions.
- He believed the song's wistful longing matched the mood after Pearl Harbor and wanted to comfort listeners.