Los Angeles, CA – Grammy-winning indie soul singer Candace Woodson has once again proven why she is hailed as the “Queen of Sophisticated Soul” with her heartfelt release of What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? This cover of The Emotions’ 1973 classic comes at a time when the world needed it most. Originally recorded by the legendary trio under Stax Records, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of loneliness that many experience during the holiday season. In Woodson’s capable hands, the track becomes both an homage to the past and a balm for today’s weary hearts.
A Tribute Born from Loss
The song isn’t just another holiday release; it’s a heartfelt tribute to Pamela Hutchinson of The Emotions, who passed away in 2020. The original, released in 1973, captured the bittersweet essence of holiday blues, a feeling that Woodson knew she could honor and expand on in her own unique way. Her version doesn’t just echo the past; it breathes new life into it, inviting listeners to experience the familiar with fresh ears.
“I’ve always loved this song,” Woodson explained. “It speaks to the heart of what many people feel during the holidays but don’t always talk about.”
The Right Song at the Right Time
Released in the thick of the 2020 pandemic, when isolation was at its peak and the holidays felt different for so many, Candace’s cover couldn’t have come at a better time. Her rendition feels like a knowing glance between friends, a reminder that even if you’re apart, someone else understands exactly what you’re going through.
For anyone who’s felt the sting of missing a loved one or the quiet ache of spending the holidays alone, this song offers comfort. Woodson’s voice, rich and full of emotion, takes listeners on a journey that is at once deeply personal and universally relatable.
A Vocal Performance That Stands Out
Candace Woodson’s voice has always been her strongest asset, and she puts it to masterful use in this track. Her vocals glide effortlessly through each note, conveying both the longing and warmth that the song demands. The layered harmonies envelop the listener, almost like being wrapped in a cozy blanket on a cold winter night.
Unlike the more upbeat, celebratory holiday songs that dominate the airwaves, this track invites introspection. And that’s exactly what Woodson wanted. “The holidays aren’t all twinkling lights and laughter for everyone,” she said. “This song is for the people who feel the quiet moments, who long for someone or miss the way things used to be.”
A Year Marked by Success
What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? follows a stellar year for Woodson. Her single Better days climbed to #1 on The Radio Airplay Experts Urban Charts, cementing her place as a force in contemporary soul. It’s no wonder fans have come to expect nothing but authenticity and heart from her work.
Listen and Connect
For those who haven’t yet experienced this soulful rendition, it’s available on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/track/6GySPPQQWfg6ju21cQczNP?si=-UlEXL-VRXKdUlTqMxb6FQ and other streaming platforms. More about her music and upcoming releases can be found on her official website.https://www.candacewoodson.com/acc1
Finding Solace in Music
The holidays can be complicated. They’re filled with joy, yes, but also with moments of reflection and, sometimes, a touch of sadness. Candace Woodson’s What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? is a song that meets you in those moments and reminds you that feeling alone doesn’t mean you’re forgotten.
In Woodson’s hands, this 1973 classic isn’t just a song; it’s an invitation to sit with your feelings, to know that they are valid, and to find peace in the knowledge that others feel them, too.
