[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the best things about December (or worst, depending on your perspective) is getting a free pass to listen to as much holiday music as you and your loved ones can stand without killing each other.
If you’re a Mississippian, you already know this state is considered the birthplace of America’s music in more ways than one. Not only is Mississippi where Blues music took its first breath, but it was the origin point for several influential and prominent musical artists, songwriters and producers in the 20th century and beyond.
Check out the songs below and subscribe to the list on Spotify, Amazon or YouTube. Most tracks are by solo or group artists who were either born and/or raised in Mississippi, but a few might surprise you. (Not to worry—we explained it all below.)
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Track	Artist	Mississippi Connection
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays	*NSYNC	Group member Lance Bass is from Clinton.
Under My Tree	*NSYNC
My Only Wish (This Year)	Britney Spears	Britney Spears was born in Mississippi and attended school here while living in Louisiana.
All I Want For Christmas Is You	LeAnn Rimes	LeAnn Rimes was born in Jackson and lived in Mississippi until age 6.
That Spirit of Christmas	LeAnn Rimes and Aloe Blacc
Celebrate Me Home	LeAnn Rimes and Gavin DeGraw
Blue Christmas	Elvis Presley	Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo.
Santa Claus Is Back In Town	Elvis Presley
(There’ll Be) Peace In the Valley (For Me)	Elvis Presley
Please Come Home For Christmas	B.B. King	B.B. King was born in Berclair, near Itta Bena, and considered Indianola his home.
Lonesome Christmas	B.B. King
To Someone That I Love	B.B. King
Don’t Take Christ Out Of Christmas	Mississippi Mass Choir	The Mississippi Mass Choir was formed in Jackson and released their first album in 1988.
Christmas In My Home Town	Charley Pride	Charley Pride was born in Sledge.
Where Are You Christmas	Faith Hill	Faith Hill was born in Ridgeland and raised in Star.
Silent Night	India.Arie, Joe Sample, Brandy	Brandy Norwood was born in McComb.
Back Door Santa	B.B. King
Christmas Time Blues	John Lee Hooker	John Lee Hooker is believed to have been born in Tutwiler.
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear	Leontyne Price	Leontyne Price was born and raised in Laurel.
Ave Maria	Leontyne Price
Silent Night, Holy Night!	Faith Hill
Christmas Tonight	Dave Barnes	Dave Barnes spent his childhood in Kosciusko
All I Want For Christmas Is You	Dave Barnes
Please Come Home For Christmas	Dorothy Moore	Dorothy Moore is from Jackson.
Hey Santa Claus	The Moonglows	Bass singer Prentiss Barnes was born in Magnolia.
I’ll Be Your Santa Baby	Rufus Thomas	Rufus Thomas was born in Cayce.
That Makes Christmas Day	Rufus Thomas
I Can’t Have A Merry Christmas Mary (Without You)	Jerry Lee Lewis	Jerry Lee Lewis grew up near Natchez and lives on a ranch in Nesbit.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)	Jimmy Buffett	Jimmy Buffett was born in Pascagoula.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas	Jimmy Buffett
Merry Christmas Baby	Ike & Tina Turner	Ike Turner was from Clarksdale.
Silver Bells	The Supremes	Founding member Mary Wilson was born in Greenville.
The Little Drummer Boy – Stereo	The Supremes
Sleigh Ride	Wilson Phillips	Natchez-born record producer Glen Ballard produced Wilson Phillips’ first Christmas album in 2010.
Even Santa Claus Gets The Blues	Marty Stuart	Marty Stuart is from Philadelphia.
Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus	George Jones and Tammy Wynette	Tammy Wynette was from Tremont.
Merry Christmas Baby	Elvis Presley and Gretchen Wilson
Silent Night	Elvis Presley and Sara Evans
The First Noel – (2008)	Elvis Presley
I’ll Be Home For Christmas	Elvis Presley and Carrie Underwood
Go Tell It On The Mountain	The Staple Singers	Roebuck “Pops” Staples, patriarch of the Staple Singers, was born in Winona.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem	The Staple Singers

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