John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Remains a Classic


John Lennon was tragically murdered on Dec.8, 1980, just a few weeks after his 40th birthday. WelcheMusic look back on “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” which was originally written as a protest song about the Vietnam War. Throughout the years, it has become a Christmas standard.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jw-ifqwkM

Originally released in December 1971, “Xmas” first appeared on an album in 1975 via the compilation Shaved Fish. The set was John Lennon’s seventh album, collecting every single issued in the United States as a solo artist (except “Stand By Me”). Shaved Fish peaked at No.12 in the US and No.5 in the UK.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” originated from a worldwide poster campaign saying “WAR IS OVER! (If You Want It) Happy Christmas from John and Yoko.” Posters were displayed in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Rome, Athens, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Helsinki. The line “War is over, if you want it, war is over, now!, ” can be heard in the background and was actually taken directly from the billboards.

Phil Spector produced the song, which was recorded at Record Plant Studios in New York City in late October 1971. The song peaked at No.3 in the US and No.2 in the UK upon its re-release in 1980, following the tragic shooting death by Mark David Chapman. Thus, it beat the original No.4 peak in 1971. Several artists have covered the song, including Céline Dion, Maroon 5, Jessica Simpson and The Fray. “Xmas” was the follow-up to John Lennon’s massive hit “Imagine,” which peaked at No.1 in the UK and No.3 in the US. The singer’s first solo single, following his years in The Beatles, was the 1969 single “Give Peace a Chance” with the Plastic Ono Band.

Jessica Simpson Puts a Ring on It


WelcheMusic congratulates Jessica Simpson on her newly announced engagement with former NFL player Eric Johnson. Simpson parted with ex-husband Nick Lachey back in 2005.Tomorrow, Simpson will release the holiday album Happy Christmas, including the preceding single “My Only Wish.” The set will be released via Primary Wave Records, famous for purchasing 50% of Kurt Cobain’s music catalog. Earlier this fall, it was announced that Jessica Simpson’s in the studio with producers The-Dream and Tricky Stewart working on up-coming albums.

Jessica Simpson made her debut in November 1999 with the album Sweet Kisses. The set was certified 2x platinum in the States and yielded three singles.  Her debut hit was “I Wanna Love You Forever,” a No.3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The track reached the top ten across the world  – including the UK, Norway, Sweden, Australia and Japan. That track was quickly followed by “Where You Are,” a duet with former hub Lachey.

Despite six studio albums, her own MTV reality show and endless press coverage, Jessica Simpson has only reached Billboard Hot 100 top ten with her debut hit. She’s even had a more successful career in the UK where “With You” (2003) and “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” (2005) have reached the top ten.

Jessica Simpson’s latest album came in September 2008 – an attempt to cross over to country. Her last pop album was “A Public Affair,” including the title track which featured appearances from Christina Applegate, Christina Milian, Eva Longoria Parker and Ryan Seacrest in the video. That set was released in 1996.

Jessica Simpson is engaged to be married. Her new fiancé is a former NFL player.

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