For nearly 40 years, I've looked forward to hearing the Campbell Radio Playhouse production of "A Christmas Carol," starring Lionel Barrymore. I make sure to listen to it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day every year. While hearing it on Christmas Eve in 1984, I noticed there was still time after the show and commercials ended. "How will KMOX fill the time until the top-of-the-hour news?" I wondered. I was pleased with the station's decision and said to no one, "Oh, good. They're playing Percy Faith and his orchestra's version of 'Joy To The World.' I've got that on an LP, and it's the best, most triumphant-sounding version of it I've heard."
Admittedly, that was an unusual reaction for a 14-year-old. At age 50, however, I still think it's the best rendition--and I've heard many more versions of "Joy To The World" over the past 36 years.
