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Sleigh Ride

{{Short description|Winter song}}

{{about|the piece of music|the recreational activity|sledding|the 'Fear the Walking Dead' episode|Sleigh Ride (Fear the Walking Dead)}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Sleigh Ride

| type =

| artist =

| album =

| label =

| genre = Light

| language = English

| composer = Leroy Anderson

| lyricist = Mitchell Parish

| published = {{start date|1948}} by Mills Music

| misc =

}}

"Sleigh Ride" is a light orchestra standard composed by Leroy Anderson. He formed the idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946, and finished it in February 1948. Its first performance was by the Boston Pops Orchestra, with Arthur Fiedler conducting, on May 4, 1948.{{Cite web|url=http://www.leroyandersonfoundation.org/sleigh_ride.php|title=The story of how Sleigh Ride was written|publisher=Leroy Anderson Foundation}} Anderson also made arrangements for wind band and piano.{{Cite web|last=Pease|first=Andy|date=2020-12-14|title=Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson|url=http://windliterature.org/2020/12/14/sleigh-ride-by-leroy-anderson/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=Wind Band Literature}}{{Cite web|last=LLC|first=Woodbury Music Company|title=Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson|url=http://www.leroyanderson.com/sleigh-ride.php|access-date=2022-02-15|website=www.leroyanderson.com|language=en}}

The original recordings were instrumental versions: it was first recorded in 1949 by Fiedler and the Boston Pops.{{Cite book|last=Speed|first=Burgess|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/55948259|title=Leroy Anderson: A Bio-bibliography|publisher=Praeger|others=Eleanor Anderson, Steve Metcalf|year=2004|isbn=0-313-32176-0|pages=25–81|oclc=55948259}} As a 45 rpm version issued on red vinyl, "Sleigh Ride" was a hit record on RCA Victor Red Seal and has become one of the orchestra's best-known works. The Pops have recorded the piece numerous times, with Fiedler as well as John Williams, their conductor from 1979 to 1995, and Keith Lockhart, their current conductor.

The lyrics, about riding in a sleigh and other wintertime activities, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950.Christmas in New England, Commonwealth Editions 2006, pages 116–121

The Ronettes recorded a cover of "Sleigh Ride" in 1963 for Phil Spector's A Christmas Gift for You, which was commercially successful in the United States and featured in various media. The song has since been associated with the Christmas and holiday season.

Details

File:American Homestead Winter - Currier and Ives.png by Currier and Ives, 1867. The song's lyrics refer to a "picture print by Currier and Ives," whose lithographs were popular in the 19th century.]]

Leroy Anderson's own recording of "Sleigh Ride" was made on September 11, 1950,{{Cite web |date=2024|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/14449083|title=Leroy Anderson & His Orchestra – The Complete Christmas Collection (liner notes)|website=Discogs }} and was released on his album "Leroy Anderson Conducts His Own Compositions"{{Cite web |date=2024|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/933449 |title=Leroy Anderson And His "Pops" Concert Orchestra – Leroy Anderson Conducts His Own Compositions |website=Discogs }} on the Decca label in 1951. Also released that year as a 78-rpm single,{{Cite web |date=2024|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/7854196|title=Leroy Anderson And His "Pops" Concert Orchestra – Sleigh Ride / Promenade|website=Discogs }} then reissued as a 45-rpm single the following year{{Cite web |date=2024|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1777767|title=Leroy Anderson And His "Pops" Concert Orchestra – Sleigh Ride / Saraband|website=Discogs }} when it reached #26 on the Cash Box bestsellers' chart.{{Cite web |date=2024|url=https://tropicalglen.com/Archives/50s_files/19521227.html|title=The Cash Box Best Selling Singles, Week ending December 27, 1952}}

The main melody of "Sleigh Ride" was used, but without crediting Anderson, as the main theme of Victor Young's score for the 1949 Western Streets of Laredo. Mitchell Parish worked with Young at this approximate time, writing the lyrics for Young's recording of Hoagy Carmichael's previously instrumental "Stardust." In 1950, the Andrews Sisters recorded the first vocal version of "Sleigh Ride", using the lyrics Parish had written. Although the song is often associated with Christmas and appears on Christmas compilation albums, its lyrics do not mention any holidays.

The piece is noted for the sounds of a horse clip-clopping, and a whip used to get the horse moving. In most performances, a percussionist provides these sounds on temple blocks and a slapstick, respectively. Toward the end of the piece, a trumpet imitates the sound of a horse whinnying.

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), "Sleigh Ride" consistently ranks as one of the top 10 most-performed songs written by ASCAP members.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ascap.com/press/2006/112706_xmassongs.html |title=ASCAP Announces Top 25 Holiday Songs – "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting ...)" Tops List |access-date=2008-12-22 |archive-date=2008-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221103047/http://www.ascap.com/press/2006/112706_xmassongs.html |url-status=live }} ASCAP named "Sleigh Ride" the most popular piece of Christmas music in the U.S. between 2009 and 2012 based on performance data from over 2,500 radio stations. Anderson's recording remains the most popular instrumental version, while Johnny Mathis's has become the most popular vocal version.{{cite web|date=2012|title=ASCAP Members Reign Over Top Ten Most-Played Holiday Songs List|url=http://www.ascap.com/press/2012/1212-ascap-members-reign-over-top-ten-most-played-holiday-songs-list.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428232052/http://www.ascap.com/press/2012/1212-ascap-members-reign-over-top-ten-most-played-holiday-songs-list.aspx|archive-date=2014-04-28|access-date=2013-05-21|publisher=ASCAP}}

Biographer Steve Metcalf said, "'Sleigh Ride'... has been performed and recorded by a wider array of musical artists than any other piece in the history of Western music."{{cite web|date=2019|title=Singing the Song in My Heart: Sleigh Ride|url=https://singingthesonginmyheart.com/sleigh-ride/}}

"Sleigh Ride" is written in seven-part rondo form (though performers sometimes omit the final B section, effectively rendering it a five-part rondo).{{cite web | url=http://www3.northern.edu/wieland/theory/form/named_it.htm | title=Listen for Form Answer Key | publisher=Northern State University | access-date=December 19, 2015 | author=Wieland, William | archive-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110232/http://www3.northern.edu/wieland/theory/form/named_it.htm | url-status=live }}

The Ronettes version

{{Infobox song

| name = Sleigh Ride

| cover =

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = the Ronettes

| album = A Christmas Gift for You

| released = {{Start date|1963|11|22}}

| recorded = 1963

| studio =

| genre = Christmas

| length = 3:01

| label = Philles

| writer = *Leroy Anderson

| producer = Phil Spector

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

| next_title =

| next_year =

}}

"Sleigh Ride" was covered by the American girl group the Ronettes. The Phil Spector-produced recording has become the most popular version outside the traditional pop standard genre, charting yearly in Billboard{{'}}s Top Ten U.S. Holiday 100 and reaching #8 in 2023 in its 26th week in the Hot 100.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ronettes|title=The Ronettes Sleigh Ride Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-01-05|archive-date=2019-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043256/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-ronettes|url-status=live}} After achieving a new peak of 8 in 2023, it became the group's second-highest chart hit in the US after "Be My Baby".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tops-hot-100-ronettes-sleigh-ride-1235014113/|title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Holds Atop Hot 100, The Ronettes' 'Sleigh Ride' Hits Top 10|date=December 28, 2021|magazine=Billboard}} It features the well-known "Ring-a-ling-a-ling, ding-dong-ding" background vocals, and the clip-clop and whinny of a horse at its beginning and end. Both bridge sections were omitted from this version, leaving only the refrains intact.

=Charts=

{{col-begin}}

{{col 2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
scope="col"| Chart (1963–2024)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

scope="row"| Australia (ARIA){{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2023-01-02|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|date=January 2, 2023|access-date=December 30, 2022}}

| 9

{{single chart|Austria|27|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=January 3, 2024}}
{{single chart|Flanders|15|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=January 1, 2024}}
{{single chart|Wallonia|15|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=December 31, 2023}}
{{single chart|Canada|8|artist=The Ronettes|rowheader=true|access-date=December 31, 2024}}
{{single chart|Czechdigital|26|year=2023|week=51+52|rowheader=true|access-date=January 2, 2024}}
scope="row"| Estonia Airplay (TopHit){{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ee/weekly/20241220-20241226|title=Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart: Dec 26, 2024|publisher=TopHit|access-date=December 28, 2024}}

| 26

{{single chart|Finland|41|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=December 28, 2024}}
scope="row"| France (SNEP){{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-la-semaine/top-albums/?semaine=52&annee=2023&categorie=Top%20Singles|title=Top Singles (Week 52, 2023)|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|language=French|access-date=January 2, 2024}}

| 15

{{single chart|Germany|39|songid=394251|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=December 29, 2023}}
{{single chart|Billboardglobal200|12|artist=The Ronettes|rowheader=true|access-date=January 3, 2024}}
scope="row"| Greece International (IFPI){{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103162214/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2024|title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) - Week 52/2023|publisher=IFPI Greece|access-date=January 3, 2024}}

| 13

{{single chart|Hungarysingle|15|year=2023|week=52|rowheader=true|access-date=January 4, 2024}}
{{single chart|Hungarystream|13|year=2020|week=52|rowheader=true|access-date=January 1, 2021}}
{{single chart|Ireland4|14|date=20211231|rowheader=true|access-date=December 31, 2021}}
scope="row"| Italy (FIMI){{cite web|url=https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/classifiche.kl#/charts/3/2024/52|title=Top Singoli – Classifica settimanale WK 52|publisher=Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana|language=it|access-date=December 31, 2024}}

| 26

scope="row"| Latvia (LaIPA){{cite web|url=https://www.parmuziku.lv/chart?type=2&week=2023-W52&limit=100&id=5e472896c97ba|title=Mūzikas Patēriņa Tops/ 52. nedēļa|language=en, lv|publisher=LaIPA|access-date=January 30, 2024|date=December 31, 2023}}

| 9

scope="row"| Lithuania (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s52-2/|title=2023 52-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)|publisher=AGATA|language=lt|date=December 29, 2023|access-date=January 4, 2024}}

| 11

scope="row"| Luxembourg (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-ronettes/chart-history/i12/|title=The Ronettes Chart History (Luxembourg Songs)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 3, 2024}}

| 11

{{single chart|Dutch100|7|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=December 28, 2024}}
scope="row"| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2023-12-29|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=January 1, 2024|access-date=December 29, 2023}}

| 9

scope="row"| Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100){{cite web|url=https://www.olis.pl/charts/oficjalna-lista-sprzedazy/single-w-streamie|title=OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie|publisher=OLiS|language=pl|access-date=January 4, 2024|type=Select week 22.12.2023–28.12.2023.}}

| 12

{{single chart|Portugal|24|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=January 29, 2024}}
{{single chart|Scotland|65|date=20191220|rowheader=true|access-date=December 21, 2019}}
{{single chart|Slovakdigital2|20|year=2023|week=51+52|rowheader=true|access-date=January 3, 2024}}
scope="row"| Spain (PROMUSICAE){{cite web|url=https://www.elportaldemusica.es/lists/top-100-canciones/2021/52|title=Top 100 Canciones – Semana 52: del 24.12.2021 al 30.12.2021|publisher=Productores de Música de España|access-date=January 9, 2022}}

| 47

scope="row"| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2023&dspp=52|title=Veckolista Singlar, vecka 52, 2023|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|access-date=December 30, 2023}}

| 38

{{single chart|Switzerland|15|artist=The Ronettes|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=December 31, 2023}}
{{single chart|UK|15|date=20241227|rowheader=true|access-date=December 27, 2024}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|8|artist=The Ronettes|rowheader=true|access-date=December 19, 2023}}
scope="row"| US Holiday 100 (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-ronettes/chart-history/hsx/|title=The Ronettes Chart History (Holiday 100)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 15, 2019|archive-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116004551/https://www.billboard.com/music/The-Ronettes/chart-history/hot-holiday-songs|url-status=live}}

| 7

scope="row"| US Rolling Stone Top 100{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2019-12-24/|title=Top 100 Songs|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 24, 2019|access-date=December 31, 2019|archive-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231173333/https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2019-12-24/|url-status=live}}

| 10

{{col 2}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+ Year-end chart performance for "Sleigh Ride"

! scope="col"| Chart (2023)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"|Hungary (Single Top 40){{cite web|url=https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-slagerlistak/single_db/2023|title=Single Top 100 - digitális és fizikai értékesítés alapján - 2023|publisher=MAHASZ|access-date=January 31, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131131809/https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-slagerlistak/single_db/2023|archive-date=January 31, 2024|language=hu}}

| 96

{{col-end}}

=Certifications and sales=

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|award=Platinum|relyear=1963|certyear=2023|id=13372|access-date=January 4, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|award=Gold|relyear=1963|certyear=2021|id=9540|access-date=December 30, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1963|id=2021-12-31|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|certyear=2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2016|certyear=2022|id=file_2023-01-02-03-46-01.pdf|access-date=January 2, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1963|certyear=2023|id=the-ronettes-sleigh-ride|access-date=January 3, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2011|certyear=2023|id=15348-4667-1|access-date=January 6, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=1963|certyear=2023|access-date=April 15, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|artist=The Ronettes|title=Sleigh Ride|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1963|certyear=2023|id=20231221150524|access-date=December 21, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streamsonly=true|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

Gwen Stefani version

{{Infobox song

| name = Sleigh Ride

| cover = Gwen Stefani "Sleigh Ride".jpg

| alt = On a red background, American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani appears wearing a large, red bow atop her head with both of her hands holding up her head; above her is the name of the song in a white, cursive font.

| border = yes

| caption =

| type = promotional single

| artist = Gwen Stefani

| album = You Make It Feel Like Christmas

| released = {{Start date|2020|10|13}}

| recorded = 2020

| studio =

| genre = Christmas

| length = {{duration|m=2|s=33}}

| label = Interscope

| composer =

  • Leroy Anderson
  • Mitchell Parish

| producer =

| misc =

}}

= Background and release =

Stefani released her fourth studio album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas through Interscope Records, on October 6, 2017, a collection of six original songs and six cover versions of Christmas standards.{{cite web|last1=Thomas Erlewine|first1=Stephen|title=Gwen Stefani – You Make It Feel Like Christmas|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/you-make-it-feel-like-christmas-mw0003107147|access-date=October 7, 2016|author-link1=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|publisher=AllMusic|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227185513/https://www.allmusic.com/album/you-make-it-feel-like-christmas-mw0003107147|archive-date=February 27, 2018}} The album was preceded by the release of lead single "You Make It Feel Like Christmas", a duet with her boyfriend, American singer Blake Shelton.{{cite magazine|last1=Tenreyro|first1=Tatiana|title=Gwen Stefani Teases 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas' Album: Watch Preview|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7973604/gwen-stefani-album-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas|access-date=September 22, 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=September 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922151955/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7973604/gwen-stefani-album-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas|archive-date=September 22, 2017}} According to Stefani, the album's initial release generated a positive response, allowing her to return to the studio with collaborators busbee and Justin Tranter.{{cite magazine |last1=Atkinson |first1=Katie |last2=Caulfield |first2=Keith |title=Gwen Stefani Talks Deluxe Edition of 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas' & 'Magical' Art of Holiday Songwriting |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/podcasts/8488647/gwen-stefani-interview-christmas-album-deluxe-edition-pop-shop-podcast |access-date=January 1, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |date=December 4, 2018 |archive-date=December 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219165816/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/podcasts/8488647/gwen-stefani-interview-christmas-album-deluxe-edition-pop-shop-podcast |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Lenniger |first1=Shea |title=Gwen Stefani Releases Deluxe Edition of Her Christmas Album: Stream It Now |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8481912/gwen-stefani-deluxe-edition-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas |access-date=January 1, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |date=October 26, 2018 |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206152728/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8481912/gwen-stefani-deluxe-edition-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas |url-status=live }} The following year, You Make It Feel Like Christmas was reissued with five new bonus tracks and a proper music video for the title track was released.{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Justin |title=Christmas albums released in 2018 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/christmas-albums-released-in-2018__24443/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=November 3, 2018 |date=October 16, 2018 |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107224608/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/christmas-albums-released-in-2018__24443/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Stein |first1=Megan |title=Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Just Released a Video for 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas' |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a25240991/blake-shelton-gwen-stefani-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas-video/ |access-date=December 25, 2018 |work=Country Living |date=November 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105091357/https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a25240991/blake-shelton-gwen-stefani-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas-video/ |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In 2019, Stefani duetted with Shelton again on "Nobody but You", a new track recorded for his compilation album, Fully Loaded: God's Country.{{cite news |last1=Whitaker |first1=Sterling |title=Blake Shelton Reveals Details for Upcoming Album, 'Fully Loaded: God's Country' |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-fully-loaded-gods-county-cover-art-track-listing/ |access-date=January 23, 2020 |work=Taste of Country |date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120144739/https://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-fully-loaded-gods-county-cover-art-track-listing/ |archive-date=January 20, 2020 |url-status=live }} The song was released as a single and distributed to US country radio outlets on January 21, 2020.{{cite web |last1=Stefano |first1=Angela |title=Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Duet on New Single 'Nobody but You' [Listen] |url=https://theboot.com/blake-shelton-gwen-stefani-nobody-but-you-duet/ |publisher=The Boot |access-date=January 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214214051/https://theboot.com/blake-shelton-gwen-stefani-nobody-but-you-duet/ |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |url-status=live }} It became a hit, topping Billboard{{'}}s Country Airplay and Digital Songs charts and becoming Stefani's highest-charting effort on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2007.{{cite magazine |last1=Asker |first1=Jim |title=Blake Shelton Tops Country Airplay With Gwen Stefani Duet 'Nobody But You': 'I Connect With Every Lyric' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/9367173/blake-shelton-tops-country-airplay-gwen-stefani-duet |access-date=July 20, 2020 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721032634/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/9367173/blake-shelton-tops-country-airplay-gwen-stefani-duet |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Blake Shelton Chart History (Digital Song Sales) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/blake-shelton/chart-history/hds/ |access-date=January 22, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222082707/https://www.billboard.com/music/Blake-Shelton/chart-history/HDS |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Gwen Stefani Chart History (Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gwen-stefani/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=July 20, 2020 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705223240/https://www.billboard.com/music/Gwen-Stefani/chart-history/HSI |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |url-status=live }} In late 2020, rumors of new solo music from Stefani circulated after it was announced she would be returning as a judge to the American television series The Voice.{{cite news |last1=Kile |first1=Meredith B. |title=Blake Shelton Says It's 'Comforting' to Have Gwen Stefani Back on 'The Voice' |url=https://www.etonline.com/blake-shelton-says-its-comforting-to-have-gwen-stefani-back-on-the-voice-154471 |access-date=October 14, 2020 |work=Entertainment Tonight |date=October 8, 2020 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013185216/https://www.etonline.com/blake-shelton-says-its-comforting-to-have-gwen-stefani-back-on-the-voice-154471 |url-status=live }} Stefani then confirmed plans to release new music during a promotional advertisement made for the show.{{cite news |last1=Dresdale |first1=Andrea |title=Gwen Stefani's back on 'The Voice,' armed with t-shirt cannon, new music & a peek at Kelly's new album |url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/10/19/gwen-stefanis-back-on-the-voice-armed-with-t-shirt-cannon-ne.html |access-date=October 19, 2020 |publisher=ABC News Radio |date=October 19, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022192908/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/10/19/gwen-stefanis-back-on-the-voice-armed-with-t-shirt-cannon-ne.html |url-status=live }} Her cover of "Sleigh Ride" was announced as a surprise to her fans on October 12, 2020, the day before its scheduled release. It is expected to appear as the eighteenth track on an upcoming reissue of You Make It Feel Like Christmas, due for release later in 2020.{{cite AV media notes |title="Sleigh Ride" |type=Spotify digital single |others=Gwen Stefani |year=2020 |publisher=Interscope Records |id= Spotify URI: 5J41NKbYKuA0LD47G3If6H}}

"Sleigh Ride" was produced by American musicians Brent Kutzle and Brandon Collins. It is the first track from You Make It Feel Like Christmas that was not produced by busbee or Eric Valentine; busbee had previously co-written all of the original songs on the parent album with Stefani and Tranter, but died in September 2019 after a battle with glioblastoma.{{cite AV media notes |title=You Make It Feel Like Christmas |type=CD liner notes |others=Gwen Stefani |year=2017 |publisher=Interscope Records |id=02557-84801}}{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Mikael |title=Busbee, Grammy-nominated country and pop songwriter, dies at 43 |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-09-30/busbee-songwriter-maren-morris-dead |access-date=October 13, 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 30, 2019 |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908213936/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2019-09-30/busbee-songwriter-maren-morris-dead |url-status=live }} Stefani's cover of "Sleigh Ride" credits Anderson and Parish as composers.{{cite news |title=Gwen Stefani – Sleigh Ride: Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sleigh-ride-mw0003438391/credits |access-date=October 18, 2020 |publisher=AllMusic |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028170431/https://www.allmusic.com/album/sleigh-ride-mw0003438391/credits |url-status=live }} The song was released to music retailers for digital download and streaming on October 13, 2020, through Interscope Records. A promotional audio video of the song was uploaded to Stefani's YouTube channel the same day of its release.{{cite web |title=Gwen Stefani – Sleigh Ride (Audio Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWNSdzWjDSs |publisher=YouTube |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013062817/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWNSdzWjDSs |url-status=live }} It serves as first solo release since the rest of You Make It Feel Like Christmas.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Sophie |title=Gwen Stefani Gets Festive with 'Sleigh Ride' |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/gwen-stefani-sleigh-ride/ |website=uDiscover Music |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014172509/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/gwen-stefani-sleigh-ride/ |url-status=live }} Alongside the release of "Sleigh Ride", Stefani teased that there was "more to come" the following week.{{cite news |title=Gwen Stefani Gets In The Holiday Spirit with 'Sleigh Ride' |url=https://wsrw.iheart.com/content/2020-10-14-gwen-stefani-gets-in-the-holiday-spirit-with-sleigh-ride/ |access-date=October 14, 2020 |publisher=WSRW |date=October 14, 2020 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027032115/https://wsrw.iheart.com/content/2020-10-14-gwen-stefani-gets-in-the-holiday-spirit-with-sleigh-ride/ |url-status=live }}

= Composition =

Stefani's version of "Sleigh Ride" has been described as a holiday-themed song with a "lushly" arranged orchestra. American musician Ryan Tedder contributes as a vocal producer of the song, and Stefani is accompanied by American singer Laura Cooksey for background vocals.

= Critical reception =

Sophie Smith from the entertainment website uDiscover Music was positive about Stefani's cover, calling it a "cheery" and "festive" new track. A contributor to WSRW felt that Stefani got "in the holiday spirit" with her cover, but felt that it was released too early before the holiday season.

= Credits and personnel =

Credits adapted from AllMusic.

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

  • Gwen Stefani{{spaced ndash}}primary artist
  • Brandon Collins{{spaced ndash}}producer, strings contractor
  • Brent Kutzle{{spaced ndash}}producer, keyboards
  • Leroy Anderson{{spaced ndash}}composer
  • Mitchell Parish{{spaced ndash}}composer
  • Ryan Tedder{{spaced ndash}}vocal producer
  • John Nathaniel{{spaced ndash}}vocal producer, mixing
  • Grant Pittman{{spaced ndash}}engineer, keyboards
  • Doug Sarrett{{spaced ndash}}engineer
  • Tyler Spry{{spaced ndash}}engineer
  • Mike Wilson{{spaced ndash}}engineer
  • Chris Gehringer{{spaced ndash}}mastering engineer
  • Laura Cooksey{{spaced ndash}}background vocals
  • Luke Sullivant{{spaced ndash}}acoustic guitar, electric guitar
  • Matt Melton{{spaced ndash}}bass
  • Paul Nelson{{spaced ndash}}cello
  • Jon Hyrkas{{spaced ndash}}drums
  • Betsy Lamb{{spaced ndash}}viola, violin
  • David Angell{{spaced ndash}}violin
  • David Davidson{{spaced ndash}}violin

{{div col end}}

= Charts =

class="wikitable unsortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+Chart performance for "Sleigh Ride"

scope="col"| Chart (2020)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

scope="row"| US Holiday Digital Song Sales (Billboard){{cite magazine |title=Gwen Stefani Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gwen-stefani/chart-history/xdt/ |access-date=October 29, 2020 |magazine=Billboard}}

| style="text-align:center"| 6

= Release history =

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+ Release dates and formats for "Sleigh Ride"

scope="col"| Region

! scope="col"| Date

! scope="col"| Format(s)

! scope="col"| Label

! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}

scope="row"| Various

| October 13, 2020

| {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}}

| Interscope

| style="text-align:center;"| References regarding the release of "Sleigh Ride" by Gwen Stefani on Apple Music:

  • {{cite web |title=Sleigh Ride – Single – Gwen Stefani |url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |publisher=Apple Music (AU) |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014172508/https://music.apple.com/au/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |url-status=live }}
  • {{cite web |title=Sleigh Ride – Single – Gwen Stefani |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |publisher=Apple Music (CA) |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014172507/https://music.apple.com/ca/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |url-status=live }}
  • {{cite web |title=Sleigh Ride – Single – グウェン・ステファニー |url=https://music.apple.com/jp/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |publisher=Apple Music (JP) |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |language=ja |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014172507/https://music.apple.com/jp/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |url-status=live }}
  • {{cite web |title=Sleigh Ride – Single – Gwen Stefani |url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |publisher=Apple Music (NZ) |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014172521/https://music.apple.com/nz/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |url-status=live }}
  • {{cite web |title=Sleigh Ride – Single – Gwen Stefani |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |publisher=Apple Music (US) |access-date=October 13, 2020 |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014172524/https://music.apple.com/us/album/sleigh-ride-single/1535294523 |url-status=live }}

Other notable recordings

  • 1949 – Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, RCA Victor Red Seal 10-1484 (78 rpm) and 49-01515 (45 rpm).{{cite web |title=Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson: Complete reference |url=http://www.leroyanderson.com/sleigh-ride.php |website=Leroyanderson.com |publisher=Woodbury Music Company LLC 06798 |access-date=7 December 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191206214915/http://www.leroyanderson.com/sleigh-ride.php |archive-date=6 December 2019 |url-status=live |quote=[1.] Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler, 1949, Naxos 8120649 [2.]Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler, 1959, RCA 144665, RCA 61237, RCA 61685 [3.]Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler, 1976, DG 419414 [4.]Boston Pops Orchestra, John Williams, 1992, Sony 48232 [5.]Boston Pops Orchestra, Keith Lockhart, 2004, Boston Pops Recordings 2 [6].Boston Pops Orchestra, Keith Lockhart, 2011, BSO Classics1305}} The original hit recording, this version was unavailable on CD until its inclusion on the 2023 Real Gone Music compilation The Ultimate Pops Christmas Party.{{cite web|url=https://realgonemusic.com/products/arthur-fiedler-the-ultimate-pops-christmas-party-2-cd-set|title=Arthur Fiedler The Ultimate Pops Christmas Party! (2-CD Set)|website=Real Gone Music|accessdate=January 22, 2024}}
  • 1951 – Leroy Anderson and His "Pops" Concert Orchestra, Decca Gold Label Series 16000 (78 rpm) 9-16000 (45 rpm). Released both individually and as part of the 10" album Leroy Anderson Conducts His Own Compositions. This version (recorded September 1950) receives frequent airplay during the holiday season and has appeared on various compilations. Leroy Anderson re-recorded "Sleigh Ride" in stereo for the 1959 Decca LP Leroy Anderson Conducts Leroy Anderson.
  • 1950 – The Andrews Sisters (the first vocal version)
  • 1952 – Bing Crosby, included on 1998's The Voice of Christmas
  • 1958 – Johnny Mathis – Merry Christmas
  • 1959 – Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra – Joy to the World: Music for Christmas. This version subsequently appeared on his 1963 LP Wonderland of Christmas, as well as on numerous compilations.
  • 1960 – Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas; this version was later featured in the 2003 film Elf.
  • 1965 – Andy Williams – Merry Christmas
  • 1978 – The Carpenters – Christmas Portrait
  • 1987 – Air Supply – The Christmas Album
  • 1992 - Debbie Gibson - ''A Very Special Christmas 2{{cite web |title=Various - A Very Special Christmas |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=a+very+special+christmas+2#search_section |website=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=1 January 2025}}
  • 1998 – Squirrel Nut Zippers – Christmas Caravan
  • 2012 – Sufjan Stevens released a version of the song as part of the ninth volume of the Silver & Gold Christmas box set.{{cite web |last1=Stevens |first1=Sufjan |title=Sufjan Stevens, "Sleigh Ride" [Track 4/9, Vol. 9] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJU-rJD563k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/OJU-rJD563k |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |date=28 November 2012 |publisher=Asthmatic Kitty Records |access-date=29 December 2020}}{{cbignore}} Stevens uses many different gadgets to make sounds, reminiscent of the style of Spike Jones, who recorded the song in 1956.{{cite web |last1=Hermelin |first1=C.D. |title=The 10 Best Versions of the Song 'Sleigh Ride' |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/sleigh-ride-song-best-versions.html |website=Vulture |date=21 December 2018 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=29 December 2020}}
  • 2020 – Tori Kelly – A Tori Kelly Christmas
  • 2022 – Lindsey Stirling – Snow Waltz
  • 2023 – Seth MacFarlane and Elizabeth Gillies released a version of the song.{{Cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/seth-macfarlane-liz-gillies-sleigh-ride/|title=Seth MacFarlane And Liz Gillies Share 'Sleigh Ride'|last=Schube|first=Will|date=October 19, 2023|website=udiscovermusic.com|access-date=October 20, 2023|archive-date=October 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019144854/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/seth-macfarlane-liz-gillies-sleigh-ride/|url-status=live}}
  • 2024 – The Philly Specials featuring Immanuel Wilkins – A Philly Special Christmas Party{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/philadelphia-eagles-jason-kelce-lane-johnson-jordan-mailata-philly-special-christmas-party-album-1235836249/ |title=Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson & Jordan Mailata Celebrate the Holiday Season With 'A Philly Special Christmas Party' Album: Stream It Now |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |magazine=Billboard |date=November 22, 2024 |access-date=December 25, 2024}}

= Mariah Carey version =

{{Infobox song

| name = Sleigh Ride

| type = Song

| artist = Mariah Carey

| album = Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special (Apple TV+ Original Soundtrack)

| released = {{Start date|2020|12|4}}

| format =

| recorded = 2020

| genre = Christmas

| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=39}}

| label = *Legacy

| writer = {{hlist|Leroy Anderson|Mitchell Parish}}

| producer = {{hlist|Mariah Carey|Daniel Moore II|Marc Shaiman|Scott M. Riesett|Tremaine "Six7" Williams}}

}}

In 2020, American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey recorded a cover of "Sleigh Ride" for her second soundtrack album, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special (2020).

==Charts==

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
scope="col"| Chart (2020)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|Hungarysingle|25|year=2020|week=50|artist=Mariah Carey|rowheader=true|access-date=December 18, 2020}}
scope="row"| US R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mariah-carey/chart-history/rbt/|title=Mariah Carey Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 23, 2021}}

| 25

=Ella Fitzgerald version=

==Charts==

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
scope="col"| Chart (2020–24)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|Billboardglobal200|169|artist=Ella Fitzgerald|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=January 1, 2025}}
{{single chart|Portugal|162|artist=Ella Fitzgerald|song=Sleigh Ride|rowheader=true|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
scope="row"| UK Streaming Chart (OCC){{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/streaming-chart/20231229/7510/|title=Official Streaming Chart|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=December 29, 2023}}

| 93

==Certifications==

{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Ella Fitzgerald|title=Sleigh Ride|award=Silver|relyear=2005|certyear=2022|id=15348-257-1|access-date=December 16, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • [http://www.leroyandersonfoundation.org/sleigh_ride.php Sleigh Ride] on the Leroy Anderson Foundation webpage
  • [http://www.leroyanderson.com/lyrics.php#sleighride Lyrics] to Sleigh Ride
  • [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTMc-WAjL-I Performance] by the United States Navy Band

{{Johnny Mathis}}

{{Mariah Carey}}

{{Gwen Stefani}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1948 songs

Category:2020 singles

Category:American Christmas songs

Category:Articles containing video clips

Category:Songs with lyrics by Mitchell Parish

Category:Songs with music by Leroy Anderson

Category:Air Supply songs

Category:Amy Grant songs

Category:Andy Williams songs

Category:Ella Fitzgerald songs

Category:Glen Campbell songs

Category:Gwen Stefani songs

Category:Johnny Mathis songs

Category:Mariah Carey songs

Category:Percy Faith songs

Category:The Carpenters songs

Category:The Ronettes songs

Category:Song recordings produced by Phil Spector

Category:Song recordings with Wall of Sound arrangements

Category:Compositions in B-flat major

Category:Philles Records singles

Category:Interscope Records singles