Silent Night
 

After 37 years of playing it, I still love Stevie’s version of Silent Night from the “A Very Special Christmas “ album. I like the live version with Tom Petty that she did later on but I love the studio version featuring Robbie Nevil.

Does anybody know the story behind her participation in that album? I see Jimmy Iovine produced the song (with Roy Bittan). He produced some other songs on that album. Did he invite Stevie? I assume by 1987 they were friends again, I mean I recall they broke up in not very sweet ways (well, break ups are never happy).

It was definitely an invite from Iovine from what I recall. Stevie did an interview that aired on MTV talking about it and a Christmas story from her childhood. That’s all I remember (37 years ago) I did record it but since trashed it. You tube it you may get the info you are looking for.

She talks about Jimmy asking her to do it around 2:00
The song was recorded in the heat of the summer of 1987 before the Tango tour started.

This is the best Christmas album ever IMHO. The artists and songs are top notch. Most of them are my favorite version of these songs. When I first heard Whitney's Do You Hear What I Hear in 1987 I thought it was horrible until it grew on me and now I dont like any other version. Her church choir singing is perfect for the song. Stevie does a fantastic Silent Night. She adds her Stevieisms to the song without being too much. Its a great take.

Anyway here is the interview from MTV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM81_qkp3KI&t=4s

My favorite song on this compilation is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by the Pretenders- very beautiful and wistful. Entertainment Weekly did a long article years ago about the song, and Chrissy Hynde spoke about how special the recording was. I think it’s very underrated and wish it would be played more during Christmas. I also love Gabriel’s Message by Sting.

I agree with your assessment of Do You Hear What I Hear- my problem with it is it goes on too long. The album is very worthwhile.

Gabriel’s Message by Sting is also one of my favorites.

Bob Segar's Little Drummer Boy is amazing
Bryan Adams - Run Rudolph Run
Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen
Winter wonderland - The Eurythmics
I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp
I even love the Pointer Sister's Santa Claus is coming to town.

This album highlight's Jimmy's talents. He was very good at soundtracks and putting some amazing songs from different artists on the same album