Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis has sold more than 40 million albums in its 27-year career, including 28 million Christmas albums.
Nineteen albums went gold, eight went platinum and four went platinum certified, which puts it in an elite group of performers such as U2, Michael Jackson, the Beach Boys and Jay Z.
The No. 1 selling Christmas artist of all time will celebrate the holiday season with a concert at the Show Me Center.
Show Me Center marketing director Josh Hanlon explained that the tour has gotten so big that there now are two touring ensembles that will present 90 performances this year.
Mannheim Steamroller was created in part by Grammy Award-winning record producer and composer Chip Davis in 1974, and the group is known for its new age holiday music.
Hanlon said ticket sales are going well for the concert that will be two weeks before Christmas.
He said it is not uncommon for families with three generations to come and all enjoy the show and being together.
"We were trying to get something great for everybody," Hanlon said. "Something new and different. ... We expect a large crowd. We expect people to walk away feeling happy."
St. Louis native and Southeast Missouri State University freshman Olivia Snare is going to see Mannheim Steamroller with her family in St. Louis the weekend before it comes to Southeast.
"I'm excited to go see them with my family," Snare said. "Every time I hear one of their songs come on the radio it gets me excited for the season. I just love their music. It's so powerful and different than the other traditional songs. They get me in the mood for the holidays, it will be fun to have a family event around that."
Mannheim Steamroller has never performed at Southeast before, and its well-known holiday music will make up the repertoire.
Southeast English education major Josh Mitchell said it was exciting that the No. 1 selling Christmas artist was coming to his school because he loves Christmas music.
"Christmas music is probably the most joyful music I've ever heard," Mitchell said. "Every time I hear it, I smile and sing along. No other genre can do that except Christmas music."
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Show Me Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $59.50, $49.50 or $39.50 depending on seat location and can be bought at the Show Me Center box office or online at showmecenter.biz.
