The Philly Specials

The Philly Specials
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, US
GenresChristmas music
Years active2022 (2022)–present
LabelsVera Y Records
Members Jordan Mailata
Websitephillyspecialchristmas.com

The Philly Specials are an American musical group formed by three football players from the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League: offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Jordan Mailata.[1] They are known for recording three albums of Christmas music with the proceeds being donated to charity.[2] The group was named for the Philly Special trick play used by the Eagles to score a touchdown in Super Bowl LII in 2018.[1]

The Philly Specials' albums have been produced by Charlie Hall, drummer for the War on Drugs, with Philadelphia Eagles executive Connor Barwin as executive producer.[3] Their albums have featured numerous guest performers. The Philadelphia Eagles have been represented on the albums by other players such as A. J. Brown, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Landon Dickerson, Brandon Graham, Jalen Hurts, and Haason Reddick; offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland; general manager Howie Roseman; and play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese.[4][5] Among the musical artists who have appeared on the Philly Specials' albums are Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman (of the Hooters), Patti LaBelle, Amos Lee, Stevie Nicks, and Boyz II Men.[5][6][7]

Jason Kelce and his brother Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs performed a duet version of "Fairytale of New York", rewritten as "Fairytale of Philadelphia", on the group's second album.[5] The song reached No. 1 on two of Billboard magazine's specialty charts, Rock Digital Song Sales and Holiday Digital Song Sales.[8]

The group's 2024 album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, has been announced as being their last.[2] It reached No. 1 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart, selling 32,000 copies in its first week of release, of which 22,000 copies were on vinyl.[9] This marked the biggest sales week for any holiday album on vinyl since Nielsen SoundScan began keeping records in 1991.[9]

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Label
US
A Philly Special Christmas 80[11] Vera Y Records
A Philly Special Christmas Special 25[12]
A Philly Special Christmas Party 16[14]

Compilations

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Label
US
A Philly Special Christmas Special
(The Deluxe Album 2022 & 2023)
  • Released: 2023
  • Format: LP
 55[12] Vera Y Records

References

  1. ^ a b Douris, Raina; Junod, Kimberly (November 30, 2023). "Ring in the holiday season with the sweet sounds of the Philadelphia Eagles". NPR. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Proceeds from the final Philly Specials album to help get Philadelphia students holiday gifts". 6 ABC. November 22, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  3. ^ Ciavolella, Zach (November 13, 2024). "Charlie Hall talks Philly Specials' latest holiday album, 'A Philly Special Christmas Party'". Metro Philadelphia. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  4. ^ McManus, Tim (December 7, 2022). "Philadelphia Eagles holiday album on the way for Christmas". ESPN. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Kram, Olivia (December 1, 2023). "How Special Is A Philly Special Christmas Special?". The Philadelphia Citizen. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  6. ^ Morrow, Brendan (November 11, 2024). "Jason Kelce collaborates with Stevie Nicks for Christmas duet: Hear the song". USA Today. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  7. ^ Aniftos, Rania (November 22, 2024). "Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson & Jordan Mailata Celebrate the Holiday Season With 'A Philly Special Christmas Party' Album: Stream It Now". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  8. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (November 28, 2023). "Jason & Travis Kelce Earn First Billboard No. 1 With 'Fairytale of Philadelphia'". Billboard Pro. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith (December 6, 2024). "'A Philly Special Christmas Party' Decorates Billboard Charts With Record-Breaking Debut". Billboard. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Caruso, Skyler (November 27, 2023). "All About A Philly Special Christmas Special, Including Jason and Travis Kelce's Duet". People. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  11. ^ Caulfield, Keith (January 4, 2023). "'A Philly Special Christmas' Hits No. 1 on Compilations Chart, Top 10 on Album Sales". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith (December 11, 2023). "Philadelphia Eagles' 'A Philly Special Christmas Special' Charity Album Scores Big on Billboard Charts". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  13. ^ Watts, Marina (November 24, 2024). "Jason Kelce Epically Sings 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' at Appalachian State Tailgate: 'He's a National Treasure'". People. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  14. ^ "Billboard 200 | Week of December 7, 2024". Billboard. December 7, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.