Rod Stewart Releases Holiday Album, Plans December PBS Christmas Special

Verve Music GroupRod Stewart releases his first holiday album on Tuesday, and ***** host his first Christmas TV special to go along with it this holiday season.

The special, called Rod Stewart: Merry Christmas, Baby, will air as part of PBS' Great Performances series this December -- check your local listings to see when it'll be on in your market. In a statement, Stewart said, "I've always wanted to do a Christmas special, and this was truly worth the wait because what we were able to accomplish is just beyond my wildest dreams."

The special was taped back in September at the Villa de Leon, a private residence overlooking the Pacific Ocean in California. OK, so the surroundings aren't exactly snowy, but the music will get you in the holiday ****. Not only does the special feature Rod singing the tunes from his album, also called Merry Christmas, Baby, but the special guests featured on the record all make appearances too.

Canadian crooner Michael Buble joins Stewart for "Winter Wonderland," hip-hop/soul star Mary J. Blige stops by for "We Three Kings," and singer, rapper and The Voice judge Cee Lo Green pops in on the album's title tune. Rod also performs a "virtual duet" with the late Ella Fitzgerald on the song "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Other songs featured on the special include "Blue Christmas," "White Christmas," "Silent Night" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."