Step Into Christmas - Elton John (1973) 12/23/21

In 1973, when Elton John and his trusty collaborator Bernie Taupin sat down to write a Christmas song, they immediately agreed on one thing: the song should pay homage to the "wall-of-sound" Christmas hits of the '60s produced by Phil Spector. (Examples include "Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes. Check the link below.)

Note: The "wall-of-sound" was created by repeatedly overdubbing tracks to give the music a heavy condensed feel.

What Elton and Bernie came up with was not only a great tribute to Phil, but a "Great Christmas Song" that has become a Holiday classic!

"Step into Christmas" was released as a stand-alone single (It has since appeared on several albums), and was an immediate worldwide hit, charting in 11 countries. Elton--years ahead of his time--also made a video of the song (see below), which actually features a blink-and-you'll miss it cameo by Bernie (playing the bells--right before Elton shows his Watford F.C. Membership Card)! "Step Into Christmas" by Elton John: a "Great Christmas Song of the '70s...and Today!"

"Sleigh Ride" by the Ronettes: