The Top 10 Blues Christmas Songs
There’s something undeniably powerful about Christmas songs that carry emotion, history, and soul. The best holiday music blends timeless tradition with heartfelt storytelling, creating a sound that captures joy and longing. Blues artists have a unique way of channeling both sorrow and celebration into their Christmas tunes, giving the holidays a raw authenticity. In this countdown of the Top 10 Blues Christmas Songs of all time, we’ll explore the unforgettable voices, riffs, and stories.
10) Freddie King - Christmas Tears
Christmas is a tough time for a whole lot of people and Freddie King’s slow, sad Blues song in the key of C reflects this. During the holidays, he’s ditched and abandoned by the one he loves. The lyrics encompass everything: “I hear sleigh bells ring; I haven't heard a word from you in years.” This song is so sad, it may bring Christmas tears. The bridge section, musically and melodically speaking, is the most uplifting part. The mood shifts to a hopeful color. This song is an Xmas winner!
9) George Thorogood - Rock & Roll Christmas
Rock and Roll Christmas by George Thorogood is an up-tempo feel-good kind of Xmas song. Thorogood blends Chuck Berry chugging guitar riffs with John Lee Hooker delivery; this is his genius and what made him famous. All great Christmas songs have a saxophone solo and this song has one. Why this song never became more popular during the holidays, we shall never know. Also, George plays a two stringed Chuck Berry guitar solo midway through the track.
8) Tampa Red - Christmas And New Year's Blues
Tampa Red may be one of the most underrated songwriters of all time. In this song, he struggles coping with Christmas time being on him and New Years being right around the corner. The lyrics convey a feeling of dread as he's lost his lady friend and the future is not looking good. Lyrics include: “I hung up my stocking and I went straight to bed, but when I woke up Christmas morning Lord, I had an aching head.” This song is filled with chugging guitar rhythms and resonator slide riffs.
7) Eric Clapton - White Christmas
It’s an Eric Clapton Christmas! The song opens with Clapton’s searing Chicago Blues electric guitar turnaround. There are plenty of Clapton open string guitar riffs in between his flawless singing. His cool, Bluesy vocal adds to this updated version. The pinnacle of the song is Eric’s overdriven guitar solo. Also, there are a few new chord changes towards the end of the song. The music video is cool too!
6) Victoria Spivey - Christmas Morning Blues
Christmas Morning Blues is in the key of C. This song is all about receiving bad news through the mail in a letter. Victoria’s man is in jail, deep in trouble, and will not be home for the holidays. Now this is some real Christmas Blues! Spivey sings, “I aint never had a Christmas like this with trouble like this before.” This is a very interesting Xmas song and worth a listen as Victoria Spivey lays it all on the line and bares her soul.
5) Guitar Slim - Christmas Time Blues
This is a 12 string Delta Blues Christmas Song: “It’s Christmastime and everybody’s going away.” This is the ultimate lonely Xmas song. Slim’s baby is basically going and not coming back. There are some great Delta Blues riffs throughout. If you are feeling sad and lonely this holiday season, listen to this tune! This song is also in the key of C. If you want to write a Christmas Blues song, keep it in the key of C as this seems to be the norm in the Blues world. Also, this would be a great song for Buddy Guy to cover as Guitar Slim was his hero and he’s never done a Christmas album before.
4) Sonny Boy Williamson - Santa Claus
Of all the Christmas songs here, this may be the most unusual and is a songwriter’s song. The original Sonny Boy Williamson has the most distinctive voice like Howlin’ Wolf’s; their voices are very similar. The song has an upbeat feel that includes Sonny’s impeccable harmonica riffs and runs. The song is all about him trying to find out what his lady friend bought him for Christmas. While searching through her dresser drawers, the landlady calls the cops. It keeps getting worse for Sonny Boy and each verse takes the listener on a new journey. This is a well-crafted Blues tune with a great story!
3) B.B. King – Christmas Love
Christmas Love is a musical instrumental by B.B. King. Out of all the Bluesmen, he was the most impeccable, graceful, and tasteful guitar player and singer. He was high class and a man without an ego. Throughout the song King always plays the right note and bends it the right way with the right amount of articulation. His playing sounds so simple and easy, yet no one will ever come close.
2) John Lee Hooker - Blues For Christmas
John Lee Hooker’s “Blues For Christmas” may be the best Christmas Blues song ever written. It features John Lee Hooker’s flawless open guitar riffs. He says, “Blues for Christmas, I ain’t got a dime.” There are some cool horn parts throughout and how this song never took off or became popular is mind blowing. It's time to call George Thorogood! Also, there’s a real upward and downward sway to this song. This is a classic Blues song that should have crossed over.
1) Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run
Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” is the ultimate Christmas song. The main reason it is so famous and in our collective consciousness, is that it was featured in “Home Alone.” Think of the O’Hare Airport running scene and the McCallister’s way behind schedule. There are genius lyrics as well, “All I want for Christmas is a Rock & Roll electric guitar. Berry was a poetic genius and knew what the public wanted before they even knew.
