DJ Robert Drake has hosted WXPN’s Christmas particular, “The Night time Earlier than,” for greater than 30 years.
Paige Walter/WXPN
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Paige Walter/WXPN
Right this moment on World Cafe, we wish to introduce you to somebody who is aware of extra about Christmas and vacation music than nearly anybody within the biz. For the final 32 years, DJ Robert Drake has been internet hosting an annual marathon celebration each Christmas Eve on WXPN in Philadelphia, the place we make World Cafe.
It is referred to as The Night time Earlier than, and for twenty-four nonstop hours, Drake spins from his assortment of vacation tunes. If you happen to’re tuning in, do not count on “All I Need For Christmas Is You” and “Final Christmas” on repeat. Drake’s assortment is filled with distinctive nuggets, a few of which have not seen the sunshine of day for many years.
Drake has gifted us an early Christmas current, within the type of a playlist to provide us a preview of what occurs on The Night time Earlier than. This combine contains brand-new music from gospel legend CeCe Winans and her new Christmas report, Joyful, Joyful: A Christmas Album. There’s additionally tracks with distinctive views; Alicia Witt’s “Bizarre Time of 12 months” is sung from the POV of Witt’s canine. Ilene Weiss’ “Tree,” one in all Drake’s favourite vacation songs, is sung from the angle of a Christmas Tree proper after the vacations.
We have additionally thrown in one in all Ben Folds‘ songs from his new Christmas album, Sleigher. You’ll be able to take a look at our session with Folds right here.
Oh, and blissful holidays from the World Cafe crew!
