Carol of the Bells facts for kids
"Carol of the Bells" is a super popular song that you've probably heard many times, especially around Christmas! It was created by a Ukrainian composer named Mykola Leontovych. People play it all over the world during the holiday season. You might have heard it in movies, on television shows, or even in funny parodies. Lots of famous musicians have sung it too, like Johnny Mathis, The Carpenters, Destiny's Child, and Jessica Simpson.
Contents
All About "Carol of the Bells"
This special song has been performed and used in many different ways over the years. Its unique sound makes it perfect for the holiday spirit!
Famous Music Versions
Many artists and groups have recorded their own versions of "Carol of the Bells." Here are some of the most well-known ones:
Popular Recordings
- In 1946, the Robert Shaw Chorale made one of the first famous recordings. They even re-recorded it later in stereo!
- In 1978, Richard Carpenter played piano in an orchestral version for The Carpenters' Christmas Portrait album.
- Mannheim Steamroller recorded a rock version in 1988 for their album A Fresh Aire Christmas. This album sold over 6 million copies, making it one of the best-selling Christmas albums ever!
- In 1995, the band Savatage created "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." This was a heavy-metal mix of "Carol of the Bells" and another carol. It became super popular and led to the creation of the famous Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
- Pentatonix covered the song in 2012 on their album PTXmas. This album was one of the top-selling Christmas albums in 2013.
- In 2014, LeAnn Rimes included her version on her album One Christmas: Chapter 1.
"Carol of the Bells" in Movies and TV
You might be surprised how often "Carol of the Bells" pops up in movies, TV shows, and even video games!
On Screen and More
- The song is in the 1990 movie Home Alone, with music arranged by John Williams.
- In 1994, it appeared in Disney's film The Santa Clause. You can hear carolers singing it at the start of the movie.
- The character Mr. Mackey sang an a cappella version in a South Park episode called "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics."
- The Muppets made a funny parody in 2009. It became a very popular video during that Christmas season!
- The TV show Community featured the song in their 2011 Christmas special.
- In 2013, the song was used as a theme for the Joker in the video game Batman: Arkham Origins.
- The song is also played at the end of the first season of the Netflix series Stranger Things.
