Color Me Chagrined

You’ll remember that back around Christmas, I heard a wonderful tenor singing “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” on a radio program, and could not find information about the singer, who I heard the radio host identify as Pete Smith. Some of you emailed me and left comments here in an attempt to assist me.

I posted here my intention to email the “Seems Like Old Times” program director, Craig Orndorff and request some assistance. His gracious reply both satisfied me and shocked me. Here is what he wrote:

Hi SK,

Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy the show. Great to have you in the audience.

I must not have enunciated well, because “I Heard” was done by Kate Smith. So that tenor was actually a contralto (similar range, though).

Sorry to cause any confusion.

Thanks again, and Happy New Year!

Craig Orndorff

Seems Like Old Times

Regular reader and friend Lewis left a comment, advising me that he loves Kate Smith’s rendition of this old Christmas Carol, and I thought, “I need to listen to that.” I wish I had, because I would have immediately recognized Kate Smith’s version as the one I heard on the radio program.

So, then. I can’t even discern between male and female voices anymore. I’m just relieved to know who the artist was and to be able to listen to it any time I want.

In fact, even though the season is past, this would be a good time to hear the lovely carol and the lovely voice. Feel free to join in.

~ S. K. Orr