Two of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time were released by the same group and both in the ’80s. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas was released in September of 1984. This was the sixth studio album by the band founded by Chip Davis in 1974, but their very first Christmas album. 
It helped Mannheim Steamroller to find international fame, revolutionized the genre and has gone on to become one of the most popular holiday albums of all-time. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas actually made it to #50 on the Billboard 200 album chart that year which is unusual for not only a Christmas album but especially an instrumental one at that to make a mark on the pop charts. Christmas eventually has gone on to sell over 6 million copies!
A great description of the Mannheim Steamroller is “symphonic pop” using many classical instruments along with modern electronics to create a unique and distinctive sound. The album includes many contemporary and instrumental interpretations of holiday favorites. One of the best examples of this is on the album’s tenth track, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”. They did not create an official video for this song, but you can at least listen to it here…
Probably the most recognized song from this album is the lead track “Deck the Halls” and there was an actual music video for this one that you can watch right here…
Most of us are used to Mannheim Steamroller’s iconic sound now, but back in the mid-80s it was quite innovative and ground-breaking. My favorite song by them is the final track on that first Christmas album, a version of “Silent Night” entitled (in German) “Stille Nacht”. Though restrained and unassuming, I find it extremely moving and poignant. There was also a promotional video made for this song, so here is “Still Nacht” by Mannheim Steamroller…
No words, but still so stirring yet peaceful. Four years later in 1988, 
Mannheim Steamroller released their second Christmas album called A Fresh Aire Christmas to similar success even slightly surpassing the original. All of those folks who loved the original album four years earlier were ready for more. When selecting the tracks for the follow-up, Chip Davis had requested fans to submit three of their favorite Christmas songs and he then tabulated the results to help choose which songs they would record. My favorite track from this album is “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. There was not an official video for this song, but you can at least listen to it here…
Not necessarily one of my favorite versions of this classic, but there is a music video for “The Little Drummer Boy” from this album…
A Fresh Aire Christmas has also sold over 6 million copies! So they have two ’80s albums that reached that mark making Mannheim Steamroller the only act with two Christmas album to sell 5 million or more. They have released ten studio Christmas albums now and they have sold over 28 million in Christmas albums alone. Quite an impressive accomplishment and part of Christmas pop culture for multiple decades now! And best of all, it all started with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas back in the ’80s.
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