Hi there, it’s Finnley the Dolphin, and I’m back with another audio adventure to share with you all. Today, I’m diving into the depths of a particularly unusual record from 1972: Ronald McDonald presents The Night Before Christmas.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – Ronald McDonald, the fast-food clown, narrating a Christmas story? It might sound bizarre, but trust me, this record is worth a listen.
The record, a 7-inch vinyl produced by Columbia Special Products, features Ronald McDonald’s telling of the classic Christmas tale, “The Night Before Christmas,” accompanied by musical arrangements by William Goldstein. It’s a fun and festive rendition that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
But the real surprise comes on side B. Here, we’re treated to not one, not two, but three Christmas songs, each performed by a different artist. First up is Lynn Anderson with a lively version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Anderson, an American country singer and television personality, was one of country music’s most significant performers, charting five number one and 18 top-ten singles on the Billboard country songs chart.
Next, we have Ray Conniff and The Singers with “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Conniff, a bandleader and arranger, had a long and successful career in music, with hits like “Somewhere My Love” and albums like Ray Conniff’s Hawaiian Album and Bridge Over Troubled Water.
These two tracks are pure holiday cheer, complete with big band arrangements and sing-along choruses.
And let’s not forget about Robert “King” Moody, the actor who portrayed Ronald McDonald on the record. Moody appeared in over 40 movies and television episodes, including popular shows like Bonanza, The Bob Newhart Show, CHiPs, Combat!, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Dragnet, and Sea Hunt. He even played the spaceship captain in Teenagers From Outer Space.
In 1969, Moody became the fifth actor to portray Ronald McDonald in McDonald’s commercials, a role he played for sixteen years until 1985. Moody is often regarded as the best and most beloved Ronald McDonald, bringing a warmth and humor to the character that endeared him to audiences around the world.
And let’s not forget about William Goldstein, the composer behind the musical arrangements on side A. Goldstein has had a prolific career in music and media, receiving three Emmy nominations and one Grammy nomination for his work on scores for films like Fame, Hello Again, and Shocker.
With such an impressive body of work, it’s clear that Goldstein’s musical talent is not limited to just one record. Nevertheless, his contributions to Ronald McDonald presents The Night Before Christmas help make it a charming and memorable addition to any music collection.
With such an eclectic mix of talent and holiday cheer, Ronald McDonald presents The Night Before Christmas is a record that’s as fun as it is unexpected. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday music collection, and a great way to add some humor and whimsy to your festivities.
So there you have it – another offbeat audio adventure from yours truly. I hope you enjoyed this dive into the world of Ronald McDonald and his Christmas companions. Until next time, keep your ears open and your sense of adventure alive.
