About
Jazz artist who wrote 15 Christmas carols from 1942 until 1954, including "Some Children See Him" in 1951 and "The Star Carol" in 1954.
Before Fame
He studied music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He became a member of the Alvino Rey Orchestra in 1949.
Trivia
His carols were originally meant for his family and friends, but he rehearsed his 1952 carol "Come, Dear Children" with the Blue Reys in order to get the harmonies correct. They asked to perform it publicly, he consented, and the carol became a hit.
Family Life
His father Bates Burt, an Episcopalian pastor, began the tradition of including an original Christmas carol in the Christmas cards he would send out to family and friends each year. He asked his son to take over the tradition in 1942, something that would continue until Alfred's death in 1954.
Associated With
His songs were covered by such artists as Nat King Cole and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
