Johnny Prill

Johnny Prill—Grammy-nominated songwriter, devoted father, and lifelong performer—shares the heart of Christmas through music that honors faith, family, and tradition. Celebrating 40 years of volunteer performances at Courtney Manor Nursing Home, Johnny’s songs carry the quiet joy of giving and the enduring love of legacy.

Official Press Release – The Heart of Christmas: Faith and Family

Johnny Prill Celebrates Faith and Family with New Holiday Album Featuring “Grandpa’s Christmas Present”
 
A musical celebration of faith, family, and the magic of Christmas through three generations
 
Bad Axe, MI — Grammy-nominated songwriter and inspirational music artist Johnny Prill proudly releases his 10-song holiday album, “The Heart of Christmas: Faith and Family.” Blending festive cheer with spiritual reflection, this heartfelt collection celebrates tradition, love, and legacy through original songs that span generations.
 
At the heart of the album is "Grandpa’s Christmas Present," a true-to-life ballad inspired by Johnny’s son, also named Johnny, who shares his name with his father and grandfather. The song tells the story of a handmade wooden toy passed down through time, carrying the love and craftsmanship of three generations.
 
“I’ve performed this song many times,” says Prill, “but this newly recorded version captures the emotional depth I’ve always hoped to share.” The lyrics recall, “No, Santa Claus didn’t bring it down the chimney on Christmas Eve; this is a Christmas present my dad made for me,” honoring legacy, craftsmanship, and the quiet magic of family tradition.
 
The album “The Heart of Christmas: Faith and Family” features nine original tracks that blend festive cheer with spiritual reflection, including “The Ho Ho Song,” “Santa’s Little Dears,” “Jesus, Walk with Me Today,” and “The Miracle of Juan Diego’s Cloak.” Other songs include “Grandpa’s Christmas Present,” “Hawaii Sure Sounds Good on Christmas Day,” “Christ the King (He is Christmas),” “Lovable, Huggable Papa the Bear,” and “America (I Want to Say Thank You)”—each carrying Prill’s signature blend of melodic warmth and heartfelt lyricism.
 
Prill also offers a lyrical and musical reinterpretation of the classic “Jingle Bells” melody with “Jingle, Jingle, Jingle (Santa’s on His Way),” a spirited arrangement designed to surprise and delight listeners.
 
Legendary entertainer Bobby Vinton, known as “The Polish Prince” and a longtime interpreter of Prill’s songs, offers high praise: “Johnny Prill is one of the most creative songwriters of our time. His warmth and understanding blend into his lyrics and music. It's a pleasure to know Johnny as a friend and an equal pleasure to record his songs.”
 
“The Heart of Christmas: Faith and Family” is now available on all major music streaming platforms. Listeners are invited to experience the magic, memory, and meaning of the season through music that honors both the sacred meaning and the simple joys of Christmas.

Official Music Video 
Grandpa’s Christmas Present – A Heartfelt Holiday Lyric Video by Johnny Prill

“The Heart of Christmas: Faith and Family” is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.

(Song Lyrics)
Grandpa’s Christmas Present
I was there the night it happened, it was quite a sight to see
Little John ran up to Grandpa, and he climbed upon his knee
He pointed to an old toy that sat upon his shelf
And he wondered where it came from; was it made by Santa's elves?
 
No, Santa Claus didn’t bring it down the chimney Christmas Eve
This here's a Christmas present my daddy made for me
“But look, Grandpa—it’s broken,” Little John said with a sigh
Well, Grandpa, he just smiled, and he gave him this reply
 
It's just an old toy made out of wood
All cracked and broken, it still looks good
It still has magic if you believe
Each time I hold it, here's what I see
 
I can see a Christmas morning back in 1943
That's the first time that I saw it underneath the Christmas tree
And it had such pretty colors, but they faded all away
But you know I still can see them like it was yesterday
 
I can see a young boy laughing as he sits on Daddy’s knee
And if you believe in magic, there’s so much more to see
And one day, when you’re older, Little John, you’re gonna find
That this old toy can take you on a journey back in time
 
It's just an old toy made out of wood
All cracked and broken, it still looks good
It still has magic if you believe
Each time I hold it, I see Christmas memories
 
Words and Music by Johnny Prill
Johnny Prill Music, BMI
©1991, 2025

Johnny Prill is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and author of “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,” the official anthem of National Grandparents Day. His music has been featured in major publications and praised by Bobby Vinton as “one of the most creative songwriters of our time.”