Funky16Corners Christmas – Johnny & Jon – Christmas In Viet Nam
Greetings all.
The middle of the week is here, and so (almost) is Christmas.
Today’s selection is a record that I’d heard of before, but only put my hands on a copy earlier this year.
‘Christmas in Viet Nam’ by Johnny & Jon was released at the height of the war in 1966.
It’s a slow moving bit of deep soul, with great trade-off lead vocals, pulsing bass, dirge-like organ and cool guitar.
Johnny & Jon were John Wilson and John Wessler, and per the always reliable Sir Shambling, they only ever laid down this one 45.
There were a grip of Vietnam War-related soul records, including ‘The Lonely Soldier’ by Mike Williams, ‘A Soldier’s Prayer’ by Archie Bell and the Drells, and ‘Marching Off to War’ by William Bell among many others.
There were actually (at least) two other records called ‘Christmas in Viet Nam’,one by Private Charles Bowens (on Rojac) and another by the Soul Searchers (probably a gospel outfit, not the DC group, on the Peacock subsidiary Song Bird).
The subject matter is a little grim, but it’s a great song, and a stark reminder that with every war, families are separated, and that we ought to think of those that can’t be with their loved ones at this time of year.
So dig the tune, have yourself a Merry Christmas (if you celebrate).
I’ll see you on Friday.
Keep the faith
Larry
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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.
Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).
Themocracy
Love this song!
The Blog Soul Music Songs have put together a list of 15 crsitmas songs you’ve probably never heard before.
https://soulmusicsongs.tumblr.com/post/105690427808/christmas-soul