Talk of the Town: Let’s hear it for holiday songs!

Holiday songs—stuck in your head, are they? Mine, too.

Here’s one we’ll always remember.

In January 1940, Irving Berlin, the most popular songwriter in America at that time, bolted into his office and asked his secretary to jot down a new song. “Not only is it the best song I ever wrote, it’s the best song anybody ever wrote,” he said. His “White Christmas” was a seasonal smash hit that has lasted more than half a century.

Though it has been recorded thousands of times, the version most people remember is the classic by Bing Crosby. It was first featured in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn” and in the 1954 movie “White Christmas.”

And did you know:

Elmo Shropshire, better known as Dr. Elmo, is a singer of comedy songs, most notably “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” He originally recorded the song in 1973 with his then-wife Patsy. He re-recorded it solo in 1992 for the album Dr. Elmo’s Twisted Christmas and again in 2000 for the album Up Your Chimney.

Elmo, a native of Lexington, Ky., has a degree in veterinary medicine. After moving to San Francisco, he opened an animal hospital and became a competitive runner, all while continuing to play with his bluegrass band. It was then that he recorded “Grandma...” (written by his friend Randy Brooks) and became an instant regional superstar.

Elmo originally invested $40,000 of his own money to produce the original album and music video for “Grandma...” and in return, he’s become “a millionaire five times over.”

And now some classy music right here in our area.

The Green Valley Concert Band under the direction of John Snavely, presents: A Classy Christmas, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Sahuarita High School Auditorium, 350 W. Sahuarita Rd.

The concert will feature Tchaikowsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music,” piccolo soloist Dr. Randy Schwoebel from Pima College playing Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Piccolo,” and vocal soloists Bill Krinke and Yours Truly doing a medley of lighthearted seasonal songs for the whole family to enjoy.

Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door and students are free. Tickets are on sale at: Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce; Nancy Pantz, Xcapes Salon and Meredith’s Gold Crown Hallmark (Continental Shopping Plaza); The Book Shop, LA Jewelry & Repair (Green Valley Village): American Hair Family Cutter (Bashas’ Plaza), PostNet (Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace) or from band members. For more info visit: www.greenvalleyconcertband.org or call 520-300-6265.

Last chance to see “The Nutcracker Ballet” performed by Ballet Continental and directed by Lisa Baker DiGiacomo at 2 p.m., today at Sahuarita High School Auditorium, 350 Sahuarita Road. Tickets at the door are $15, general admission; $12 for seniors and $8 for students and children under 12.

Well done to the Sahuarita 49ers! Team member Blaine Hoogerwerf, grandson of Roger and Sally Hoogerwerf, has reason to be proud along with his fellow team members. This junior peewee football team was undefeated all season, winning the city championship last month. They went to the state championships Nov. 23, but lost to the Chandler Cougars with a score of 14-12.

Seasonal trivia: Nowadays, there is no shortage of candy canes. Candy canes are sold at many retailers and come in almost every possible flavor a candy lover would want. Candy canes also come in a smaller, miniature size as well, and mini candy canes are just as popular as the original. According to Christmas Lore online, it wasn’t until the 1950s that candy canes were able to be mass produced thanks to Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest, who invented a machine to simplify the process. Now, candy canes can be made very easily and are sold in grocery stores and candy stores nationwide.

rford@gvnews.com