The True Story Behind “Christmas in the Stars”
Via CBC.ca
On the surface, it’s a novelty record ripe for ridicule, for which it’s been on the receiving end plenty over the years. But it also boasts an undeniable pedigree and is full of enough curious and notable moments that it’s impossible to dismiss. After all, Christmas in the Stars marks John Bongiovi’s first professional recording, four years before he became Jon Bon Jovi. Maury Yeston penned many of the original tunes and went on to become a Tony Award-winning Broadway composer. C-3PO sings throughout and George Lucas gave it the thumbs up. And, most unbelievably, “What Can You Get A Wookiee For Christmas (When He Already Has a Comb)” is a real song.
So many questions, but it all comes back to one main head-scratcher: how did this get made?
I went in search of answers and spoke at length with Star Wars’ Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), co-producer/engineer Tony Bongiovi and composer Maury Yeston. Each man told me the same thing: I was the first person to interview them about this record in 34 years. From the mad disco money that made it all possible to George Lucas almost pulling the plug, CBC Music proudly presents the first-ever oral history of Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album.
You can read the entire article and even listen to a clip of “R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas” performed by a young singer named John Bongiovi, on the CBC website.
