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| Classic holiday tune 'The Maine Christmas Song' by Windham composer Con Fullam has been turned into a new children's book. Fullam wrote the popular song in 1986 and it has become an annual tradition in Maine every holiday season since. COURTESY PHOTO |
Like everything associated with the Christmas season, many holiday traditions
have an unusual story behind them and the one of “The Maine Christmas Song” is
no exception and in fact has a unique Windham connection.
Fullam grew up on a farm in Sidney and when Con’s father passed away when he was just 5, he left him his ukulele and he quickly learned to play it. Within a year he was playing a guitar at church and school functions and by the time he turned 10, Fullam was regularly performing on a Saturday evening radio program in Waterville.
His love for performing, producing and songwriting carried Fullam to unprecedented heights in the music industry and five different Emmy Award nominations. He’s appeared on stage with such renowned artists as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Emmy Lou Harris, Razzy Bailey, Joan Armatrading, John Sebastian, Asleep At The Wheel, Willie Nelson, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Earl Scruggs Review;,Richie Havens, Tammy Wynette and many others.
But for many Mainers, Fullam will forever be known
for composing a classic song played every Christmas that evokes traditional
values associated with residents of the state such as kindness, visiting and sharing
with neighbors and the unmatched beauty of Maine’s great outdoors.
Fullam says he is humbled by the success of “The
Maine Christmas Song” and never tires of being asked about it or performing the
song in public.
“I like that it touches other people,” Fullam
said. “It’s the greatest compliment a songwriter can receive. A lot of people
tell me how much it means to them.”
In what may prove to be his legacy in Maine,
Fullam’s Christmas tune surprisingly took little time to put together.
“Reporter Bob Elliott of Channel 6 was working on
a story about Christmas music in 1986 and I had just moved back to Maine from
New York,” Fullam said. “He asked me to write a song about Christmas and I
agreed. It sounded like fun. I figured I would work on it over the next year,
but I was wrong. Bob told me he needed it now and that changed my original
plans.”
Sitting down to compose, it all happened quickly
for Fullam.
“Sometimes things just magically happen in
songwriting,” he said. “I didn’t have time to think about it. The melody and
words came gushing out and in 20 minutes it was done.”
He said the inspiration for his lyrics came from
recalling his upbringing in Sidney and Christmases of the past spent with his
family there growing up.
Maine actor Gary Merrill, a former husband of
actress Bette Davis, recorded the opening narration for “The Maine Christmas
Song” and Fullam lined up his friend, singer Malina Liberty to record the tune
in Portland. When it released in November 1987, the song became an instant
sensation with proceeds from sales donated to Maine Credit Union League’s “End
Hunger” initiative.
Through the
years, Fullam’s song has taken on a life of its own and this year has been
turned into a children’s book illustrated by Maine artist Cynthia Baker.
Stephanie Mulligan, the owner and publisher of McSea Books, specializing in books for children written by Maine authors, said turning Fullam’s lyrics into a children’s book was a great idea.
“Like so many, I grew up with the song and always thought it could be a wonderful book with an important message, given the deep divide that we are experiencing today,” Mulligan said.
The book is available for gift-giving at Sherman’s Books in Windham and the public can meet Fullam, during a special book signing event at Sherman’s on Saturday, Dec. 18.
The classic song is also included every year
during the annual “American Family Holiday” concert performed by the Windham
Chamber Singers.
Dr. Richard Nickerson, the director of chorale
music for Windham High School, said “The Maine Christmas Song” is a timeless
treasure that everyone enjoys and that’s why it’s performed year after year by
the Chamber Singers.
"The
Maine Christmas Song reminds us of a time when life was simple, when the focus
was not on things, but on time spent together with family and friends,”
Nickerson said. “As we grow, we come to realize what is truly important,
sharing and caring, and that's what makes this song so appealing to so
many."
Fullam
himself says that he’s performed the song countless times for audiences young
and old.
“I’ll
admit to hundreds but it’s probably into the thousands,” he said. “In fact, Malinda
and I are going to play it live on WPOR radio this coming Monday. They were the
first radio station to play it and I’m told it’s still their most requested Christmas
song.”
According
to Fullam, he’s happy to be known for this song after all these years lengthy
career in music.
“It only comes around once a year,” he said. “I’m shocked it’s had the longevity it’s had. As a songwriter nobody thinks their work is relevant, but for me, it’s been wonderful to know so many like this song. It’s been a great surprise.” <
