Kenn Kweder's “Christmas On The Block” – A Philadelphia Music Legend

(Carolyn Miller Photographer)

It’s Christmas time in Philadelphia with Kenn Kweder! Kweder, a Philly based singer-songwriter and rock musician, has been performing and recording for over 50 years. Nearly signed by Clive Davis in the 1970’s, he has shared the stage with Patti Smith, Kris Kristofferson, Elvis Costello, Amos Lee, Cheap Trick, and The Ramones.

We talked with Kenn to get his take on Alan Mann’s cult classic, “Christmas On The Block.” Kweder recorded the song and still keeps it in his live set during the holiday season. Written in 1982 by Mann, it was one of the first music videos to ever appear on MTV. The song’s still a big deal in and around Philadelphia.

Can you talk about "Christmas On The Block?" What does the song mean to you?

“Christmas On The Block,” written by Alan Mann, is actually about a home for the blind. The message is that although they cannot see what we see, they have the ability to see and understand beauty way more than the rest of us visually gifted folks; those of us who take sight for granted. Since Christmas is an overwhelming visual experience with lights, trees, and decorations, it's kind of a poetic paradox. It’s one of the best and most meaningful songs to ever come out of Philadelphia.

Did you know Alan Mann? How did he write the song?

Alan Mann and I were both friends and musical competitors - each of us keeping an eye on the other throughout the years. We grew up reading the same beat poets and novelists and listened closely to similar music; always in search of meaning. I totally respected his devotion to music and his dedication.

The Genesis of the song is still a mystery. The legend about it is that Alan once lived in a neighborhood where there was a home with blind people near his house. One night after walking down the street and looking at that house, he went home and wrote the song in just a couple of minutes. 100% inspiration. But I guess we'll never really know the true story. It's sad that Alan is gone now. He died way too young.

Where was your rendition of the song recorded and who's in the music video?

The video where I am the lead singer of the song was done by a company called PRISM from Philly. I think it was organized by a cameraman named Pete Fama. Pete was a huge fan of local Philadelphia music. He was instrumental in bringing attention to a lot of Philadelphia musicians and bringing that attention to the PRISM folks. It was videotaped in a studio located near Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

I don't have the list of everyone who appears in the video with me, but it included some great and talented Philadelphia people - John Flynn, Joseph Parsons, Buzz, Barkley, George Manney, Jay Ansill, Helen Leigh, and Dan the bass player, etc...

Did the late, great, Goerge Manney resurrect the music video?

George Manney did resurrect the video. He was an amazing archivist of Philly music.