Rod Stewart holiday show on PBS

photo by Penny Lancaster-Stewart

Rod Stewart hosts his first holiday special, Rod Stewart: Merry Christmas, Baby, on Great Performances beginning this December on PBS (Check local listings). In New York, the program airs Nov. 26 at 8 p.m.

"I've always wanted to do a Christmas special," Rod Stewart remarked. "And this was truly worth the wait because what we were able to accomplish is just beyond my wildest dreams."

Stewart's concert special was taped in September at the lush Villa de Leon, a private residence overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pacific Palisades, CA, near the famous Getty Villa, for which it is sometimes mistaken. It captures Stewart as he performs a collection of some of the most beloved holiday standards and traditional songs from his new album Merry Christmas, Baby.

Throughout the special, Stewart is joined by Michael Bublé on "Winter Wonderland," Mary J. Blige on "We Three Kings" and Cee-Lo Green on the title tune "Merry Christmas, Baby" featuring New Orleans' favorite son, Trombone Shorty.

"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" is a 'virtual' duet with Ella Fitzgerald featuring Chris Botti. Among the other holiday favorites are "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," "Blue Christmas," "When You Wish Upon A Star," "Silent Night," and "Auld Lang Syne."

Stewart's PBS concert special and album also feature a new original track, "Red-Suited Super Man" composed by Rod Stewart, David Foster and Amy Foster.

David Foster, chairman, Verve Music Group, serves as producer and arranger of the Merry Christmas, Baby CD. The TV program is directed by Jim Gable and executive produced by Arnold Steifel.

Visit Great Performances online at www.pbs.org/gperf for additional information.