Employees of the First American National Bank formed a popular choir in 1956 and later released this record — prompting a question to Curious Nashville more than 50 years later.
It’s Curious Nashville: where WPLN News answers your questions about Middle Tennessee and takes you on a monthly adventure to find answers.
Today we’re shining a light on an obscure album recorded in Nashville more than 50 years ago that features a Christmas choir performing inside the lobby of a downtown bank. Astute local listener Matthew Bond came across the record two decades ago and wondered: Why did a bank form a choir? And what were their performances like? In today’s story, we revisit the city’s banking history and learn just how popular an all-volunteer choir became.
We’re also talking with two gurus of Christmas music collecting, and taking your calls and questions — live!
Guest experts on Christmas music:
- Andy Cirzan, Jam Productions senior vice president
- Howard Petruziello, Red Light Management / ATO Records
- Justin Barney, WPLN News music reporter
Further listening:
- Sound Opinions: Andy Cirzan’s 2023 Holiday Spectacular
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM