Bobby Helms; Recorded ‘Jingle Bell Rock’

Bobby Helms, 61, who contributed “Jingle Bell Rock” to the Christmas classics. Born in Bloomington, Ind., Helms began singing and playing guitar on the local radio and television stations at age 12. He made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry in 1950 and soon signed a recording contract with Decca Records. He made the bold pairing of the emerging rock genre with Christmas in 1957, recording the catchy, upbeat “Jingle Bell Rock.” The song, written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe, quickly lodged itself among the perennial Christmas anthems. Helms’ two other biggest hits, “Fraulein” and “My Special Angel,” were also recorded in 1957. The singer continued touring and recording but never again achieved such success. His last recording to hit the country charts was “Mary Goes Round” in 1970. On Thursday in Martinsville, Ind., of undisclosed causes.