by Bruce Willis has starred in some of the most iconic action movies of all time, from the Die Hard franchise to Pulp Fiction. But there’s a softer side to the tough guy actor that comes out around the holidays – Bruce absolutely loves Christmas!
In a recent interview with Closer Weekly magazine, Bruce opened up about his lifelong passion for Christmas classics. When asked what his ultimate Christmas anthem is, without hesitation Bruce named the 1962 classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
I couldn’t agree more with Bruce on his choice – “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is a timeless Christmas treasure. As a huge Bruce Willis fan, I wanted to share why I think this song resonates so strongly with him and why it should be everyone’s favorite holiday tune!
The History Behind “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” has an incredibly fascinating history behind it. The lyrics and melody were written in October 1962 by married couple Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker. It was initially intended as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which saw Cold War tensions rising dramatically between the US and the Soviet Union.
With the threat of nuclear war looming, Regney and Shayne Baker wanted to offer comfort and hope to those living in fear. The lyrics imagine an awe-inspiring vision of peace reigning across the world, symbolized by the ringing of bells on Christmas morning.
Bing Crosby Helps Spread the Song’s Message
The song quickly captured the public’s imagination and became a runaway hit. Legendary crooner Bing Crosby was the first to record “Do You Hear What I Hear?” in late 1962. His version sold over a million copies in under 30 days!
With Bing Crosby’s trademark smooth vocals, the carol sounded absolutely perfect. The recording helped the song spread even more rapidly across the country during the holiday season. Soon children’s choirs were singing it in school pageants and artists from Perry Como to Johnny Mathis released their own covers too.
By Christmas 1963, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” was a certified classic known to millions of people. More than any other song, it came to define the hopeful spirit of that holiday. And over 60 years later its message still resonates just as powerfully today.
Why “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Resonates with Bruce Willis
During his Closer Weekly interview, Bruce Willis said that “Do You Hear What I Hear?” instantly reminds him of fond childhood Christmas memories. I couldn’t agree more with the sentimental value this song holds.
Whenever I hear the opening lyric “Said the night wind to the little lamb…” I’m immediately transported back to excited Christmas Eves with my family. We would gather around the piano to sing carols, with “Do You Hear What I Hear?” always being one of our favorites.
There’s just something magical about singing along to the soothing melody and harmonies as the song builds to an emotional crescendo. The lyrics and music come together to perfectly capture all the joy, love, and hope the holiday season brings.
I have no doubt that Bruce’s family created similar lifelong memories over the years singing “Do You Hear What I Hear?”. Those nostalgic feelings likely come flooding back instantly whenever he hears the Christmas classic now.
Bruce Willis’ Ultimate Christmas Playlist
In addition to naming “Do You Hear What I Hear?” as his personal ultimate Christmas anthem, Bruce Willis also revealed some of his other holiday favorites to Closer Weekly:
-“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” by Nat King Cole: An eternally smooth Christmas classic croisoned by one of music’s greatest voices.
-“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams: Bruce said he loves the upbeat nostalgic joy of this iconic tune.
-“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby: The golden baritone voice of Bing Crosby makes this Irving Berlin classic feel like a warm blanket on a snowy December night.
-“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen: The Boss brings his signature heartland rock sound to this fun holiday favorite.
-“Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon: Bruce appreciates the song’s universal plea for hope and world peace during the season of goodwill.
Bruce’s picks perfectly capture all the best emotional touchstones of Christmas – comfort, nostalgia, joy, generosity, and hope. Adding these songs alongside “Do You Hear What I Hear?” would make the ultimate holiday playlist to get anyone into the Christmas spirit!
Bruce Bonds with Family Through Christmas Music
What I found most touching about Bruce Willis’ interview was the tradition he described of singing Christmas carols with his family on Christmas Eve. Bruce said few things bring him more joy than carrying on this holiday ritual with his children.
Bonding through music is such a wonderful way for families to create enduring Christmas memories together. I imagine classics like “Do You Hear What I Hear?” taking on an even deeper meaning for Bruce when singing along with his kids and loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Even decades into his incredible acting career, it’s amazing to hear Bruce Willis maintains such a passion and almost childlike wonder for classic Christmas music. Revealing “Do You Hear What I Hear?” as his ultimate anthem was incredibly nostalgic and sentimental.
Of course Bruce Willis will always first and foremost be that charismatic die hard action star to movie audiences. But I think his emotional connection to a song like “Do You Hear What I Hear?” also reveals so much heart and humanity underneath.
This Christmas season, I know hearing Bruce’s favorite holiday tunes will feel more meaningful than ever before. I truly can’t imagine a more fitting anthem to capture all the hope, joy, and goodwill of Christmas than “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
So let Bing Crosby’s crooning voice serenade you by the tree. Gather round the piano with family to create lasting memories. And always remember the powerful message we all need now more than ever: “A new world is dawning, where peace will ever reign.” Merry Christmas everyone!
