The perfect song for Christmas 2020? It’s 76 years old

Judy Garland sang a song that fits Coronavirus Christmas in every way. 4:50 p.m.

COMFORT ZONE

A Boston-centric gift guide for music lovers

For the music fanatic in your life, how about a print of Bruce Springsteen's historic 1974 Cambridge show, a Rock & Roll Rumble hoodie, or even an ownership share of Great Scott? 12:12 p.m.

Bob Dylan sells his entire catalog of songs to Universal Music

Are You Ready? Ring Them Bells. The Times They a-Changin’. 7:36 a.m.

COMFORT ZONE

Back Porch Carousel aims to capture that band-in-a-bar vibe, complete with after-show hangs

Several veterans of the Boston rock scene who missed hanging out and playing during COVID are now livestreaming 90-minute shows where friendship and music flow freely. 4:10 p.m.

Lennon lore: Five new books about the Beatle on the anniversary of his death, including one standout

Kenneth Womack’s “John Lennon 1980: The Last Days in the Life” is the best among the new nonfiction about the Beatles legend, who was murdered 40 years ago. 1:24 p.m.

‘Cold, hard numbers’ capture opera’s staggering gender inequities

MassOpera founder Dana Lynne Varga co-authored a new study enumerating discrimination in the field. 11:21 a.m.

Fred Taylor gets the last word in his posthumous memoir — and a jazzy all-star tribute

The publication of “What, and Give Up Showbiz?” is tied to a celebration of the late jazz impresario that features Diana Krall, Esperanza Spalding, Danilo Perez, Grace Kelly, and many others. 12:00 p.m.