2013 Christmas Countdown with Ronnie Spector

Those great, indelible lead vocals from the Ronettes, Miss Ronnie Spector, covers the Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers doo-wop Christmas classic, "Christmas Once Again!" It's from her Christmas e.p., Best Christmas Ever.

Just one week until Christmas!

Puppini Sisters Sing Mariah Carey on My 2013 Christmas Countdown

Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" presented swing style by the fabulous Puppini Sisters on tonight's Christmas Countdown! Goes well with spiked egg nog, by the way. Merry Christmas to you and that one you want for Christmas!

Christmas Countdown with The Supremes

In timely fashion for the Christmas season 2013, here are The Supremes singing "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. As you know, NBC just made a live tv version of the Broadway musical. Then, Eleanor Parker (the film's Baroness) passed away very shortly thereafter. But, The Supremes give this song a mid-'60s pop bravada and, as Diana sings, these Detroit ladies love "snitzel with noodle."

My Christmas Countdown 2013 with Lene Lovich

Here's a live performance of Lene Lovich singing "New Toy" at Studio 54 in NYC, 1981. It is dedicated especially to all those who couldn't resist Black Friday. "You? What do you want? You must want!" Ironically, it was used by Target in the '90s in their Christmas campaign. Written by Thomas Dolby.

My Christmas Countdown 2013 Continues with Ms Darlene Love

David Letterman has said "It's not Christmas until Darlene Love sings 'Christmas, Baby Please Come Home'!" Here she is on last year's Letterman show, belting out her famous Christmas classic that she originally recorded for Phil Spector. This year, she is expected to return for the song's 50th anniversary. I expect to see Darlene Love live at BB King's NYC this coming Friday, December 6. It's Christmastime!