Entertainment Weekly Article

Christmas is still 2 months away. Unless you live in a galaxy far far away, in which case, 'tis already the season for Christmas carols. Rhino Records has just released the 1980 kitsch-music classic Christmas in the Stars: A Star Wars Christmas. In cluded on the 9 song CD are such what were they thinking ditties as "What Can You Get a Wookiee for Chrismas (When He Already Has a Comb.)" and "R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas," the latter sung by Jon Bon Jovi.

Yes, you read that right. Back when he was jus 18-year old John Bongiovi the nascent rocker made the recording-his first professional gig-at the urging of his second cousin, record producer Tony Bongiovi, who co-produced the Wars album. "I was trying to develop him as an artist," says Tony. "He was somewhat reluctant to do it, but if that record hit, and John was singing on it, I thought it would be a great vehicle to launch his career." As it turned out, cousin John's career didn't take off for another two years, with no help from the Force. But with the current Wars renaissance, ponders Tony "wouldn't it be funny if the album went gold this time around?" Maybe not. Bon Jovi refused to comment on this yuletide Yoda-ing.

Written by Casey Davidson for EW, Nov. 1, 1996

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