The A Very Special Christmas record series debuted in 1987 with an album featuring holiday songs by a true A-List of classic rockers, including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. Over the years, everyone from Frank Sinatra to Cyndi Lauper have lent their talents to the cause. All in all, the series has raised over $100 million for the Special Olympics!
In December 2000, then-President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton hosted a Christmas benefit concert, inviting an enviable list of first-rate musicians to perform live at the White House in Washington DC. A highlight of the evening was when Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty - who are no strangers to performing together – joined forces for this moving rendition of the classic German carol, Silent Night backed by The Heartbreakers.
Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | "Silent Night"
Another highlight of the evening is this performance from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers of the Petty penned original, “Christmas All Over Again,” which was included on the second edition of A Very Special Christmas from 1992. The compilation album was overseen by Jimmy Iovine – the legendary record producer who brought Petty and Nicks together for the duet, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around which appeared on Nicks’ debut solo album, Bella Donna in 1981 and was a top five hit. This special performance captures a clean-cut Tom Petty at his festive best.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | "Christmas All Over Again"
Bella Donna, was released on July 27, 1981, to critical and commercial acclaim, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart, with four singles making the Billboard Hot 100, and Rolling Stone deeming her "the Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll. The Bella Donna album features some of Stevie’s most popular hits including Edge of Seventeen, Stop Draggin my Heart Around (With Tom Petty), and Leather and Lace (With Don Henley).
Celebrating 40 years, this classic album has been reissued on gold vinyl. Order, here.
GET STEVIE NICKS ALBUMS, HERE.
Listen to I Like Your Old Christmas Stuff on Spotify:
Listen to I Like Your Old Christmas Stuff on Apple Music:
