Friday Night Videos

In this day and age, the megachurch preacher has replaced the televangelist as the high-profile celebrities of religion in the U.S. cultural landscape. To my mind, though, there's not a dime's worth of difference. It's all about branding and marketing opportunities, with making millions and leading an opulent lifestyle seemingly taking aback seat to, oh, I don't know, maybe actually following the teachings of Christ? Which is why this song has been on my mind lately. "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex" is one of my favorites by Ray Stevens, from back when he was thoughtful and philosophical as much as funny (as opposed to now, where he just comes off as vindictive and angry--I very much doubt Ray includes this one in his current set list, and that makes me sad). There's no official video that I can find, but below the "fan video" there's an interview Ray did back when the song first came out that I found interesting. Enjoy.

Previously on Friday Night Videos... Tom Lehrer.

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Friday Night Videos

What would Christmas be without Ray Stevens? Well, I suppose it'd still be Christmas, but I suspect it wouldn't be as much fun. Here's the piano-playing funnyman with his remake of "Santa Claus is Watching You" from his album "I Have Returned." I have to say, "I Have Returned" is one of Ray's most inspired efforts top to bottom, and the inclusion of "Watching..." (which is, oddly enough, a remake of Ray's own classic from the 60s) is just icing on the cake.



Previously on Friday Night Videos... Eartha Kitt.

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