The Alcoa Singers, a choral group of employees of Alcoa, was first formed in 1961, according to internet resources. This album, "An old-fashioned Christmas", features 11 Christmas favorites performed by the chorus. However, the headlining songs are eight numbers from "The Stingiest Man in Town".
Alcoa has a long history with "The Stingiest Man in Town". In 1956, Alcoa was the presenting sponsor of a television presentation of "The Stingiest Man in Town", starring Basil Rathbone as Scrooge, and also featuring Vic Damone and the Four Lads. This was the first musical adaption of "A Christmas Carol", and also a very early color television broadcast (probably before there were many television sets that were capable of color reception).
Alcoa kept ties with "The Stingiest Man in Town" over the years, and songs from the production became staples of the Alcoa Singers' repertoire. In 1979, this album was released, featuring the Singers' performances of highlights from the musical, and the collection of other holiday favorites.
I had no idea that "The Stingiest Man in Town" had a life before Rankin-Bass. We never stop learning about our Christmas musical history!
Please enjoy The Alcoa Singers "An old-fashioned Christmas"
Thanks for the share, looks like a good 'un! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fascinating find! I had no idea about the connection between Alcoa and The Stingiest Man in Town. It's amazing how this production predates even Rankin-Bass, and the idea of a company chorus performing holiday classics makes it feel extra special. Thank you for sharing this piece of Christmas history, I’ll definitely be checking out An Old-Fashioned Christmas—what a unique way to keep holiday traditions alive!
ReplyDeleteI have several of these albums. I grew up listening to it every year.
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