This is an original 1954 pressing from the
Louise Neal 45 Collection. Originally released on 78rpm in 1947. This 1954 release on Hollywood 1021 (maroon label... there were several variations) was the recording's first appearance on 45 rpm. The A side, credited to "Charles Brown with Johnny Moore's 3 Blazers," first charted in 1947, and a later pressing of this Hollywood release actually charted again in 1965, hitting #5 on the Bilozoard Christmas chart. On the flip is an instrumental of "Sleigh Ride" by Lloyd Glenn. Note that releases of "Merry Christmas Baby" by Charles Brown on King and Imperial are re-recordings, not the original 1947 recording. Note: This 45 is among those in the Neal collection that she may have actually played, and which spent some of their life outside a protective sleeve. Like many of the 45s in this category, the labels are beautiful — Near Mint. In this case, the vinyl looks only lightly scuffed, grading a strong EX. However, the audio is a bit "poppy", especially on the "Sleigh Ride" side, grading VG. The record's overall grade is EX.
