Description

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If That Isn't Christmas, What Is? This is Freddie Downs' sixth book and newest book. In it, he traces the history of Christmas music through 30 of the most important events in Christmas music. The Leavenworth, Kansas native writes about all genre of Christmas music, provincial carols, classical music and also the more contemporary efforts. Included in the enjoyable read is the biggest Christmas hit of all time, the bestselling Christmas album and singles, the holiday standards for rock and roll, jazz, the blues, soul, country and women; the biggest theatrical event of the holiday; the last missing piece of Christmas; hymns and carols; Christmas around the world; a Pop chronology; the Beatle void; Christmas music videos and much more. It's all here for you to enjoy, If That Isn't Christmas, What Is? -- the history of Christmas music.

About the Author

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Freddie Downs was born on January 25, 1952. He had dual ambitions growing up, to be an author and to become a radio announcer. He has succeeded in both of his goals. From 1974-80 one of his ambitions came true, he was a radio announcer and deejay at both KCLO in Leavenworth and KUDL FM, Kansas City. As an interesting side note to his radio announcing days is that his boss was a pre-political Rush Limbaugh. His second goal, that of writing, took a bit longer, but it came true with writing credits which include - "Rock And Roll Then And Now," a two part novel, "Life Rocks" and "Radio Rocks", "The Shakeouts Of Rock And Roll" and "Memories - A TV Journey." In addition to those books, he has had articles appearing in "The Golden Age Of Radio And TV" and has had his poetry published in the Kansas State Poetry Journal, "Sunflower Petals." His novel, "You don't Have Forever," is used by students in a Texas classroom to get children interested in reading. Everything that Freddie wrote required years of research and refinement. Even after a book was published, he wouldn't stop researching the subject. He was always planning an update as additional information surfaced. Because his writing didn't focus in one particular direction, he found himself playing whatever role the project required - reporter, novelist, poet, and humorist. Although slowed by the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, he has never given up. In 2014, Freddie did a two hour book signing and personal appearance at a local book store. Speaking off the cuff, Freddie had the audience riveted for two hours with his stories about both the TV and music industry. It was a magical two hours where the writer and the audience became totally involved in a re-creation of the early days of both rock and roll and of TV. Freddie's books on television and music preserve energy and the feel of those early days for all time. Reading the works of Freddie Downs is like revisiting a time when values seemed deeper, friendships more lasting and the hope of a bigger and better future practically guaranteed.