Christmas with Wayne “Slim” Reid
Turn the lights down. Put a favourite record on. From Motown memories to velvet-smooth holiday R&B, make yourself at home.
Good music. Good company. From Toronto, with love.
The holiday listening roomA little soul for today
Boyz II Men · 1993
Rich group harmonies and a distinctly ’90s R&B mood. A natural choice when Christmas dinner gives way to a long, relaxed evening.
Start with Let It Snow (feat. Brian McKnight)
Listen to the album Album detailsClassics, discoveries & a few new traditions
A listening guide to R&B and soul Christmas releases, beyond my own CD collection.
12 albums to explore
Luther Vandross · 1995
Luther brings velvet warmth to the season. Put this on when the company is good and nobody is in a hurry to leave.
Start with Every Year, Every Christmas · The Mistletoe Jam (Everybody Kiss Somebody)
Apple Music Canada · This Is Christmas. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Boyz II Men · 1993
Rich group harmonies and a distinctly ’90s R&B mood. A natural choice when Christmas dinner gives way to a long, relaxed evening.
Start with Let It Snow (feat. Brian McKnight) · Cold December Nights
Apple Music Canada · Christmas Interpretations (Remastered 2024). The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Mariah Carey · 1994
Make room for the ballads as well as the big singalong. This is a festive favourite worth hearing beyond its most familiar song.
Start with All I Want for Christmas Is You · Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)
Apple Music Canada · Merry Christmas. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
The Temptations · 1980
Let those harmonies fill the house. A warm, unhurried pick for gathering around the table and letting the whole record play.
Start with Silent Night · Give Love On Christmas Day
Apple Music Canada · Give Love At Christmas. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Jackson 5 · 1970
A burst of Motown cheer for decorating the tree and getting the kitchen moving. Bring the family in on the chorus.
Start with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town · Give Love On Christmas Day
Apple Music Canada · Christmas Album. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Alexander O'Neal · 1988
A holiday detour for lovers of late-’80s soul. Settle into the title track, then stay for a little reflection as the year winds down.
Start with My Gift to You · Thank You for a Good Year
Apple Music Canada · My Gift to You. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Brian McKnight · 1998
A smooth companion for a cold December evening. A good place to linger over the quieter side of your holiday listening.
Start with Let It Snow '98 (feat. Boyz II Men) · Christmas Eve With You (feat. Dave Koz & Julie McKnight)
Apple Music Canada · Bethlehem. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Brandy · 2023
A newer chapter for the holiday R&B shelf. Start with the intimate moments, then let the familiar Christmas melodies find you.
Start with Christmas Party for Two · Christmas Gift
Apple Music Canada · Christmas With Brandy. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
John Legend · 2018
A welcoming soundtrack for having people over. There is room here for a little movement, a little romance and a very long dinner.
Start with What Christmas Means to Me (feat. Stevie Wonder) · Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (feat. Esperanza Spalding)
Apple Music Canada · A Legendary Christmas. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Stevie Wonder · 1967
A little joy, a little hope and a lot of heart. Pair the reflective title song with the lift of “What Christmas Means to Me.”
Start with Someday At Christmas · What Christmas Means To Me
Apple Music Canada · Someday At Christmas (Expanded Edition). The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Whitney Houston · 2003
For the moments when you want the voice to take centre stage. Give these songs some space and let the room settle around them.
Start with One Wish (For Christmas) · The First Noël
Apple Music Canada · One Wish: The Holiday Album. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
The Isley Brothers · 2007
The lights are low and the holiday rush can wait. A natural stop for anyone who wants a little more slow-jam feeling in December.
Start with I'll Be Home for Christmas · What Can I Buy You
Apple Music Canada · I'll Be Home for Christmas. The year above is the album’s original release year; the linked edition may be a remaster or reissue.
Album information and cover artwork: Apple Music Canada. CD links open Discogs edition searches.
Every family has a soundtrack
The one your parents played. The one that starts the kitchen singalong. The one you put on when everyone else has gone home. I’d love to hear about it.
Tell Slim your holiday favouriteSet the mood
Planning a holiday get-together or a company celebration? Let’s talk about the music.
Ask about holiday DJ bookings