A Holly Jolly Christmas (also known as "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas") is a Christmas song written by Johnny Marks and most famously performed by Burl Ives
John David Marks (1909–1985) was an American songwriter. He specialised in Christmas songs and wrote many standards, such as Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree as well as A Holly Jolly Christmas. Marks was born in Mount Vernon, New York. He earned a Bronze Star and four Battle Stars as a Captain during World War II. In addition to his songwriting, he founded St. Nicholas Music in 1949 and served as director of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) from 1957 to 1961. Michael Bublé recorded a version for his 7th and most successful solo album in 2011.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an "Honary Fellowship of the University of Winchester" for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for the Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for "Services to Youth" by Brass Bands England.
