A Musical Story | The Christmas Song - Palmetto Bella Magazine

Regla Fernandez and Timm Leikip

December 1, 2019

Merry Christmas, Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of all ages. That time of year is finally here — Christmas! From humbug to Ho Ho Ho; Christmas movies to the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center; gingerbread cookies baking in the oven to chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

Speaking of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” also known as The Christmas Song, we recently spoke with Steve March-Tormé. Steve is the son of Mel Tormé — American jazz vocalist, musician, and composer of the iconic The Christmas Song. Steve is also the stepson of Hal March. Hal was an American comedian and actor who hosted the early television game show 64 Thousand Dollar Question.

In the spirit of the holidays and Christmas, we asked Steve to list his favorite Christmas songs and the artists by whom they are performed.

The Christmas Song – Take 6

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – James Taylor

I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Karen Carpenter

It happened in Sun Valley – Mel Tormé

We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Take 6

Please Come Home for Christmas – The Eagles

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams

All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey

Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Take 6

Hark the Herald Angels Sing – Take 6

Being the composer and musician that he is, we asked Steve whether there is a Christmas album in his future. He said he has several Christmas concerts in the offing in Wisconsin, and according to Steve, those songs would be a great platform for a Christmas album. A planned studio album in New York in January would be the perfect prelude to a second studio project, that being a Christmas album.

Christmas is a time of giving. Steve says, “Performing is giving yourself to an audience as opposed to just performing for them.” This generosity in performance comes through in the intimacy of an autograph session. Rather than signing the autograph “to,” Steve always signs the autograph “for” the individual. Steve says, “It’s about being generous with being genuine.”

When asked about a favorite, funny Christmas story there was no hesitation. Steve cited an occasion when Judy Garland sang The Christmas Song while his father, Mel Tormé, the composer, accompanied. It was obvious to see Ms. Garland was just as lit as the tree. But when Ms. Garland clearly goofed the lyrics, Mel looked heavenward and deadpanned “close” and kept playing without missing a beat.

So as chestnuts roast on an open fire, or someone deserves to have his or her chestnuts roasted on an open fire, wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Regla Fernandez and Timm Leikip

The Lady and the Old Man (Aka: Regla Fernandez and Timm Leikip): The Lady, Regla, has a breadth of amazing experience, knowledge and love of travel, food, arts, music, life and the movies. Regla began riding horses as a young girl. She is a lover of animals and enjoys sharing her sharp-witted perspectives and observations. The Old Man, Timm, has spoken to groups in 49 of 50 states, several Provinces of Canada, the UK, and Australia. Timm has been published by numerous trade and industry publications. He is a licensed private pilot, musician, and part-time golfer

Regla Fernandez and Timm Leikip

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