This song, perfect for this Christmas period is one of Crooks' most superb performances, recorded in London in 1935, accompanied by organist Herbert Dawson and an uncredited orchestra directed by Sir John Barbirolli. As for Richard Alexander Crooks (1900-1972) was an American tenor and a leading singer at the New York Metropolitan Opera. He had a sweet-toned voice and many critics consider him to be the best lyric tenor ever produced by the United States. He specialized in Italian and French opera. From 1928 to 1945, Crooks was the host of "The Voice of Firestone" radio broadcasts, in which he sang operatic arias, patriotic songs, folk songs, and popular hits such as "People Will Say We're in Love" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! in 1943. He also appeared on radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby, who remained a friend until Crooks's death. Serious health problems forced Crooks to retire in early 1945. He continued to sing, however, at his church and elsewhere.
