EAGLES FLY ON A PHILLY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The star-studded LP A Philly Special Christmas Special has made a Top 10 debut on the Album Sales, Current Album Sales, Top Holiday Albums, Vinyl Albums and Independent Albums charts. Single “Fairytale in Philadelphia” reached #3 on the Holiday Top 40 songs chart and has raised over $2.5m for charity.

Led by Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and offensive tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, the LP features 10 holiday classics and the Kelce-penned original “Santa’s Night.” Special guests on the project—produced by War on Drugs drummer Charlie Hall and executive-produced by former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin—include Philadelphians Patti LaBelle, Amos Lee, Eagles’ EVP/GM Howie Roseman, Waxahatchee and Travis Kelce, Jason’s less-famous brother. Proceeds from sales of the vinyl will be donated to Philadelphia-area charities, including Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Jason Kelce and Barwin’s VERA Y Records released both A Philly Special Christmas Special and its predecessor, 2022’s A Philly Special Christmas. Virgin handled digital distribution of the LP, while Monostereo distributed the vinyl.

“These sessions were imbued with joy, hard work, open mindedness and some really heavy musicianship,” Hall enthused. “Everyone brought their individual voices to create something that I really feel will endure for the ages. The mutual admiration and respect between all the musicians and the players made for an environment full of experimentation and discovery. To say that these were the most fun recording sessions ever would be an understatement.”

“I’m so thankful to be part of this beautiful team, and it’s a credit to the magic that can happen when everyone loves each other and brings their best,” said Barwin. “It was always about making great music and bringing people joy during the holidays, and I’m overwhelmed to know that over $4 million has been donated to nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia over the last two years, thanks to vinyl sales from both records.”

Our old friend Joe Riccitelli is involved in the marketing and promo for the project—despite the fact that he’s a lifelong fan of division rivals the New York Giants.