AM Prep-Music

November 27, 2020 GMT

MUSICIANS FEATURED AT VIRTUAL MACY’S PARADE

NEW YORK (AP) — No pandemic could keep the likes of Pentatonix, Dolly Parton, Jordin Sparks, Brett Young and Patti Labelle from performing for the TV audience at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. The event was severely pared down, with some of the traditional performers on tape and others performing only in front of Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan. For TV viewers, it looked the same — and for those who’d usually attend in person, it was a chance to see everything without having to worry about finding a prime viewing spot — or having to bundle up under the cool, damp conditions yesterday.

DOLLY PARTON RELEASES CHRISTMAS ALBUM

UNDATED (AP) — Fresh off her appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, country legend Dolly Parton is dropping a Christmas album. It’s called “A Holly Dolly Christmas” — and it’s her first Christmas album in 30 years. To provide a modern feel, Parton teams up with current pop stars like Miley Cyrus and “Tonight Show’ host Jimmy Fallon for duets. In the one with Fallon, she describes the host as ”you sexy boy” as they flirt their way through “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Playing up the commercial side of things, Parton’s album includes an original song titled, “Christmas on the Square,” which is also the title of her new Netflix holiday musical.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD OFFERS HER “GIFT”

UNDATED (AP) — Carrie Underwood is hoping her “gift” is one that will wind up under a bunch of Christmas trees. The singer has done her first holiday album, titled “My Gift.” On it, she tackles traditional songs like “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” — as well as some original tunes. One of those is “Let There Be Peace” — one she co-wrote. On it, she’s backed by an gospel choir. Another original is “Hallelujah,” co-written by John Legend — and performed as a duet with him. Another collaborator with Underwood is her 5-year-old son Isaiah, who does some of the chorus on “The Little Drummer Boy.”

DAVY JONES RELEASES CHRISTMAS ALBUM

UNDATED (AP) — Former Monkees member Davy Jones may be gone — but a new batch of Christmas music is an effort to make sure he isn’t forgotten by his fans. The album is titled, “It’s Christmas Time Once More” — and it features Jones’ gentle voice taking on classics like “Silver Bells” and “Silent Night.” The music dates back a while; it was originally released in 1991 on cassette and on CD six years later. Producer Chip Douglas stepped in to provide new arrangements — and tossed in background vocals from Jones’ former Monkees bandmate, Micky Dolenz.