Since the middle of the 20th century, it’s been a common experience to hear jazz and pop icon Nat “King” Cole’s rich tenor ringing out during the yuletide season. Most of his holiday tunes could be considered snow-cold classics, but it all began with the timeless “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You),” originally recorded in 1946. His 1960 album The Magic of Christmas (a.k.a. The Christmas Song), filled with orchestral renderings of carols and traditionals, solidified his legacy as one of the all-time great Christmas voices. The eternal resonance of favourites like “Deck the Hall”—here full of upbeat whimsy—and the sparse but warmly arranged “Silent Night” ensure that, as people gather with family and friends, they’re likely to hear Cole during the most wonderful time of the year.