Maxwell, Spence

Lyricist who co-wrote “Christmas Is…” with Percy Faith. It is the title track of Faith’s 1966 stocking stuffer, and also appears on All Time Christmas Favourites and The Ultimate Christmas Album and has been covered by Don Ho, Johnny Mathis, and Vanessa Williams. They also co-wrote “Peppermint Hill and Strawberry Lane”, which was featured on Faith’s 1971 release, I Think I Love You.

He co-wrote the following songs with Gene DiNovi: “Boy, Do I Have a Surprise for You”; “Brand New Morning”; “He Had a Rifle”; “I Can Hear the Music”; “Mary’s Home”; and, “My Very Own Person”. “I Can Hear the Music” was recorded by Peggy Lee for inclusion on her 1967 album, Somethin’ Groovy!. Carmen McRae interpreted “My Very Own Person” on her 1967 LP, Portrait of Carmen, and it received the Louie Bellson treatment on his 1968 Breakthrough! album.

Spence co-wrote “The Grass is Greener” with Howlett Smith and “Lonely Afternoons” with Patrick Williams. The Three Sounds performed “The Grass is Greener” on their 1968 effort, Coldwater Flat. “Lonely Afternoons” made the cut on the Astrud Gilberto anthology, Astrud for Lovers.

Percy Faith Orchestra and Chorus recordings
Christmas Is… (Percy Faith/Spence Maxwell)

Sources:

Maxwell, Spence

Navigation