Teddy Swims is known for his soulful, emotionally charged performances, but did you know he can also deliver a Christmas song with the same charm as Michael Bublé? The American singer captivated fans with his heartfelt rendition of Nat King Cole’s timeless classic, “The Christmas Song,” showcasing his smooth, honeyed vocals in all their glory. While his original songs often carry tension and raw emotion, Swims dialed it back here, offering a warm and soothing holiday experience.
In the accompanying video, Swims fully embraced the festive spirit, sporting a Santa outfit that perfectly complemented his luxurious beard. He leaned into a classic vocal style while adding his own touch with delicate vibrato and phrasing. At The Music Man, we always appreciate Teddy Swims’ versatility, and this performance was a delightful reminder of his range and talent.
Released on December 3, 2019, Swims’ cover has amassed over 2.2 million views. Fans flooded the comments with praise, writing things like, “I feel like Nat King Cole is smiling down at this. Absolutely beautiful!” and “The universe is speaking through your voice. So deep and full of love.”
Swims has since made sharing Christmas songs an annual tradition. In 2020, he covered Charles Brown’s “Please Come Home for Christmas,” a holiday favorite also performed by the Eagles and Cher. That rendition became another fan favorite, accumulating over 818,000 views.
For context, “The Christmas Song” was penned in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé, with Nat King Cole famously recording it in 1946. Against his label’s advice, Cole re-recorded the song with a string section in August of that year, a decision that paid off when it reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Over time, the song has become a beloved holiday standard, covered by legends including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and The Jackson 5. Swims’ version now proudly joins this illustrious tradition.