Los Angeles, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Altered Music) - Just returned from a goodwill trip to Israel, where he's an honorary ambassador for tourism, show business legend Pat Boone (www.patsgold.com) is unveiling his first Christmas album in several decades, "The True
Spirit of Christmas," set for release Nov. 13 by Altered
Music and Pat Boone's Gold Label.
Among the 21 tracks are 16 songs featuring original, never-before recorded yuletide music, composed by Paul Alter, a veteran television producer of legendary game shows, like "Family Feud" and "The Price is Right." Another five tracks feature Boone Christmas classics.
"The True Spirit of Christmas" two CD set (buy it at www.boonechristmas.com) retails for $24.95 and includes such tracks as "Reindeer Rose" and "The Little Drummer Boy Next Door."
While some of the tracks are spiritual in nature, others are whimsical, romantic and melancholy.
"I think I have sung and recorded more Christmas songs than just about anybody," he says, relaxing at his Los Angeles office suite.
"I thought all the good songs had been written and then I met Paul Alter, a musical genius. He's even inked a song about fruitcake-it's a classic!"
Boone, who once boasted of having Elvis as his opening act, has sold over 45 million records in his long career, which includes 38 top 40 records.
One of the youngest stars ever to host his own network TV show, Boone has also headlined in over a dozen movies, such as "State Fair" and "The Cross and The Switchblade," and penned hit songs, including the beloved "Exodus."
A direct descendant of Daniel Boone, the singer-songwriter is steeped in music and family. His daughter, Debby, is a famously popular singer and he's married to the daughter of a country music legend, Red Foley.
Long before there was an "American Idol," Boone won fame and fortune by finishing first on the once famous "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" show.
After gaining national prominence in the late 1950s, at the age of 25, Boone quickly became world famous as one of America's best known exports.
It's a career that's kept him in the public spotlight for half a century and allowed him to befriend presidents, prime ministers and entertainment royalty, from Frank Sinatra to Bobby Darin. Today, the versatile showman remains popular around the globe as both an entertainer and a cultural emissary.
Along with his recordings, Boone, a Columbia University graduate, has authored numerous books. At 73, he's recently written a lushly illustrated autobiography, "Pat Boone's America" ($24.99).
