Behind the carol that mostly reminds us of the pleasure of Christmas there are many anecdotes. These include a long-time controversy between two cities of the United States – Medford, in Massachusetts and Savannah, in Georgia – that have both been claiming ownership for years.

It seems indeed that James Pierpont was inspired in the popular sleigh races taking place in the city of Medford during the nineteenth century when he composed the song. But a few years later the author moved to Savannah, where on 16 September 1857 the song officially obtained the copyright with the title One Horse Open Sleigh, while in 1859 it was renamed Jingle Bells.

But Jingle Bells also holds an important record: over the years the song was modified, cut, remixed, and proposed in many different versions like any other song in the world. The artists who sang this Christmas carol include Louis Armstrong, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti.

And this is our selection: the 10 most beautiful versions of Jingle Bells ever.

The Ventures – Jingle Bells

Boney M – Jingle Bells

Dean Martin – Jingle Bells

Ella Fitzgerald – Jingle Bells

James Taylor – Jingle Bells

Al Green – Jingle Bells

Fats Waller – Swingin’ Them Jingle Bells

Cesare Picco – Jingle Bells

Johnny Cash and Family – Jingle Bells

Joe Williams – Jingle Bells (Bombay Dub Orchestra Remix)

Special mentions

Duke Ellington & His Orchestra – Jingle Bells

Count Basie – Jingle Bells

Tradotto da Francesca Clemente