I came across this vid on YouTube a few days ago, listened to it, and it struck a chord deep within me. I was very moved by the song, the lyrics, and the pictures Rick Cooper (the composer from Mount Dora, FL) had put in the vid. I sent him a comment, saying that it was a “Fantastic song and wonderful pictures. Brings tears to my eyes.” I didn’t think about it after that.
However, I had a pleasant surprise because Rick emailed a reply to me and said how much he appreciated my comment. He had been watching some of my YouTube vids too, and he was impressed (Thanks, Rick!) And guess what—he asked me to record a solo piano version of the song above because he wanted to post an instrumental version on YouTube, and would I do it? Would I? Of course! Rick made me feel so honored because he could have asked just about anyone else to do it, but he asked me. Prior to this we didn’t know each other, but through the power of the Internet, and most importantly through the spirit of kindness, two people thousands of miles apart have been able to connect. By the way I rushed a piano solo version of the song to Rick and he loved it—I’m so glad! Here’s his email that he sent to everyone on his video distribution list:
The Spirit of Christmas, the Power of the Internet
Philip Yeoh is a pianist/entertainer, a piano teacher, and an author of an eBook on learning to play the piano. He lives in Penang, Malaysia. Until yesterday, I had never heard of Philip, and he had never heard of me.
In the spirit of the season, Philip was searching YouTube for Christmas songs and came across the video of “All I Want For Christmas (Is To Wrap My Arms Around You),” the Christmas song I co-wrote with John Schwab. Philip sent me a nice note on YouTube to let me know how much he loved the song and the video. I responded to his note and thanked him for his comments. I then checked out Philip’s YouTube channel and watched a video of Philip playing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” I then went to his website and read about his extensive musical background and training. He is very, very talented.
An idea came to mind, and I sent another note to Philip. I complimented him on his playing, and suggested that he consider one day playing an instrumental version of “All I Want For Christmas (Is To Wrap My Arms Around You), especially since he liked the song so much. Well, I’m sure you know where this is heading…
In the midst of the busy holiday season, work, teaching, marketing his eBook and so on, Philip took the time to record my song. It’s amazing to think that he had never heard the song until yesterday, and he had no sheet music or anything to guide him. In a few short hours, he took the guitar/vocal version and turned it into a beautiful instrumental piece on the piano.
So the power of the internet connected two people separated by thousands and thousands of miles, and the spirit of Christmas resulted in a wonderful recording of a Christmas song that otherwise would have never been.
I am attaching the song if you would like to listen to it. I will also be posting it on my website and Facebook. I am including below links to Philip’s website and a link to the YouTube video of “All I Want For Christmas (Is To Wrap My Arms Around You),” which is now over 13,000 views.
Thank you, Philip, and Merry Christmas to all!
Rick
Thank you, Rick, for allowing me to become a part of your heart-warming song.
EDIT: The story of how Rick and I met online is now on his website. Please check it out!
