“White Christmas” is one of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time, but its backstory is rooted in tragedy. Written by Irving Berlin, the beloved 1942 version sung by Bing Crosby became an anthem of hope for troops during World War II.
Berlin, a Russian-born Jewish immigrant, did not celebrate Christmas. The holiday carried painful memories of his son, who died at just three weeks old on Christmas Day 1928. Each year, Berlin visited his son's grave while other families gathered around the tree.
Bing Crosby first performed the song on Christmas Day 1941, just 18 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It quickly became popular among troops deployed overseas, who requested it repeatedly. Crosby admitted he found it difficult to sing, as it often reduced soldiers to tears.
In December 1944, Crosby performed outdoors in northern France for 100,000 GIs, many of whom were killed days later in the Battle of the Bulge. The song's melancholy lyrics offered comfort but also stirred profound emotions.
“White Christmas” has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, and the 1942 master recording wore out from overuse, requiring a 1947 remake. A 1999 remaster of the original is still available today.
