Coffee Break With Mary B's 5th Son

Send us Fan Mail

Happy Birthday Rachel!!! Let’s celebrate some of the music she has enjoyed from the concerts she attended through the years.

Send us Fan Mail

There’s something about rain that makes music resonate differently. Whether it’s a gentle drizzle tapping on the window or a full-blown storm approaching, rain songs have a unique ability to slow us down, evoke emotions, and even help us romanticize our feelings.

In this episode, we’re exploring songs that are inspired by rain—tracks that evoke the feeling of late-night drives, peaceful mornings, emotional catharsis, and cinematic moments where the weather becomes an integral part of the story. Some of these songs are soothing, while others are dramatic, nostalgic, or simply know how to connect with you on a personal level.

Prepare to be transported through a diverse range of genres and eras, from classic ballads to contemporary indie favorites, all united by that unmistakable rainy-day energy. Whether you’re seeking introspection, solace, hope, or simply a mood boost, this playlist is your perfect companion for cloudy skies.

So, grab a cozy blanket, prepare a warm drink, and let the rain fall—these songs are here to keep you company and provide a soundtrack for your cloudy day.

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is to welcome all of our listeners to 026. May this year bring more joy and happiness than last year. Jeff touches o so many fun and engaging topics. Get ready for music, stories, and tributes to those we 💕!

Send us Fan Mail

PART 2!!!!!!! This one's a sweet and memorable episode. We invite you to sit down and relax and enjoy the wonderful stories that are jam-packed into this episode. 

Happy Holidays from Jeff and crew!!!

Send us Fan Mail

Laura Branigan & Christmas: A Powerful Holiday Voice

In this episode, we delve into a lesser-known yet profoundly moving aspect of Laura Branigan’s artistry. While Laura is widely recognized for her iconic ’80s hits like “Gloria” and “Self Control,” her holiday recordings unveil a more intimate, reverent, and emotionally resonant vocalist.

Laura’s seasonal performances, though never released as a full commercial Christmas album, have become cherished by her fans and a treasure trove for those who discover her extraordinary talent. Her performances are filled with vocal purity, spiritual depth, and classic holiday warmth.

🎶 Featured Songs & Performances

• “O Holy Night,” a stunning a cappella performance from the early 1990s, is often described by fans as haunting, reverent, and deeply emotional. 
• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” recorded for a 1991 holiday benefit compilation.
• “Holiday Medley – Solid Gold (1983),” a festive television appearance during the height of her fame, blends pop stardom with Christmas cheer and a 💕 of performing.

🎁 Why Laura Branigan at Christmas Matters

• Her Christmas work often supported charitable causes, aligning with the season’s spirit
• These recordings have become cult favorites, rediscovered and shared by fans decades later

🌟 Legacy & Rediscovery

Laura Branigan’s Christmas performances exude timelessness—not flashy or overproduced, but genuine and heartfelt. In an era saturated with holiday albums, her limited seasonal recordings stand out precisely because they’re rare, personal, and emotionally resonant.

Send us Fan Mail

Christmas Songs That Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Episode Description

In this episode, we delve into the enchanting world of Christmas songs that instantly evoke the holiday spirit. From heartwarming classics and joyful sing-alongs to timeless hits, we explore the sounds that light up living rooms, car radios, storefronts, and cherished memories year after year.

🎄 Closing Thought

Christmas songs transcend their role as mere soundtracks; they carry with them a tapestry of memories, emotions, and shared moments that span generations. Whether they evoke a sense of coziness, celebration, or quiet reflection, these songs serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact music has on the heart of the holidays.

Send us Fan Mail

🎄 The Origin Story

The song was written in 1943 by:

• Kim Gannon (lyrics)
• Walter Kent (music)

During World War II, millions of American servicemen were stationed overseas, not able to be with their families behind during the holiday season. Lyricist Gannon drew inspiration from letters written by troops.

🎙️ Bing Crosby & Instant Impact

The song was first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943, right at the height of his popularity.

🌟 Later Classic Versions

This song has been re-recorded dozens of times, including famous renditions by:

• Frank Sinatra
• Nat King Cole
• Elvis Presley
• The Carpenters
• Michael Bublé
• The Osmonds
• Connie Francis 
• And so many more... such a Christmas classic! Enjoy this Christmas episode dedicated to I'll Be Home For Christmas!!!!

Send us Fan Mail

This week is all about the Wizard of Oz and the Christmas season. Two topics that don't seem to have a lot in common yet they do in the episode. 

Get ready to listen to Jeff's favorite Christmas tunes by his favorite artists.

About the song:

🎵 The Birth of a Classic - Chestnuts Roasting Over An Open Fire (1944)

The song was written in 1944 by
Mel Tormé (singer, pianist, future “Velvet Fog”) and his longtime songwriting partner Bob Wells.

The pair were trying to escape the intense Los Angeles summer heat. According to Tormé, Wells kept jotting down cozy winter images in an attempt to “psychologically cool off.” 

✅ Fun fact: The song was written in about 40 minutes!

Send us Fan Mail

This week on Mary B's 5th son we have a returning special guest who has a request to ask of our audience. Listen out for that call out. We hope everyone is a fan of the song Have A Merry little Christmas. We have many amazing versions for everyone to enjoy for the start of Christmas season.  

Enjoy this weeks hodge hodge of Christmas and space.....

Send us Fan Mail

We take a sleigh ride into the story behind “Winter Wonderland” — one of the most beloved holiday standards of all time. Countless legendary artists who put their spin on it.

🕯 Key Topic Covered

• How the song became a multigenerational tradition in movies, malls, and holiday specials

📚 Fun Facts

• Written in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, inspired by a real park scene
• Covered by more than 200 artists and counting
• Makes seasonal chart comebacks every year
• These are the artists that you don't hear sing this song on the radio....