About the Song
For those of us of a certain age, the holidays conjure up specific sounds and images. The crackling of a fire, the aroma of pine needles and cinnamon, and of course, the familiar melodies of Christmas classics. One such tune, guaranteed to evoke snowy landscapes and festive cheer, is “Winter Wonderland.” Originally penned in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith, it’s been covered by everyone from Bing Crosby to Eurythmics, each artist adding their own unique flavor to this timeless piece. And in 1971, America’s favorite musical family, The Partridge Family, offered their distinctly sunny California spin on this wintery standard.
Now, The Partridge Family, with their wholesome image and catchy pop tunes, might not be the first group that comes to mind when you think of snowy wonderlands. Led by the charismatic David Cassidy on lead vocals and the ever-elegant Shirley Jones, their sound was pure 70s pop, infused with sunshine and good vibes. But that’s precisely what makes their rendition of “Winter Wonderland” so intriguing. They take a song deeply rooted in traditional winter imagery and inject it with a dose of youthful energy and California optimism.
Imagine this: instead of sleigh bells and frosty air, you have the warm strumming of a guitar and the smooth harmonies of the Partridge siblings. David Cassidy’s signature vocals, imbued with that youthful yearning, add a layer of innocent romance to the lyrics. It’s as if the song is transported from a snow-covered New England village to a sunny beach bonfire in Malibu.
This unexpected juxtaposition is part of The Partridge Family’s charm. They had a knack for taking well-known songs and making them their own, infusing them with their signature pop sensibility. Their “Winter Wonderland” is no exception. It’s a testament to the song’s enduring appeal that it can be reimagined in so many ways, and The Partridge Family’s version offers a delightful alternative to the more traditional interpretations.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of The Partridge Family or simply looking for a fresh take on a holiday classic, their rendition of “Winter Wonderland” is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart, even if it’s a California kind of warmth.