The 1960s was a decade of social turmoil, upheaval, and transformation. However, when the holidays rolled around, people were only too happy to put down their antiwar protest signs and quaff egg nog by the fireplace as in decades past.
Much of the holiday music made during that decade has hung around until the present day, and the next time you’re out shopping for stocking stuffers, you’re likely to hear songs crafted during that decade to accompany your cash outlay. Here are 15 of our favorites.
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1. ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ by The Harry Simeone Chorale (1962)
There are a lot of versions of this song, but this one is one of the most popular. Harry Simeone, who co-wrote it, had such success that he re-recorded it two years later for a new record label.
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2. ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee (1960)
This song was recorded in 1958, but Brenda Lee wasn’t well-known then, so it didn’t sell. In 1960, when she was famous, it sold like crazy, so we’re ignoring its 1958 vintage and grandfathering it into the decade in which people bought it.
In a surprise turn, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree recently became the No. 1 song on Billboard’s Hot 100 — 65 years after it was released.
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3. ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’ by Burl Ives (1964)
This song was written in 1962 but didn’t catch on until Burl Ives recorded it. He had narrated that year’s television movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which made him a natural choice to perform the song.
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4. ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ by Bobby Helms (1960)
This classic mixes rockabilly twang with holiday cheer, and despite being recorded in 1958, it was a hit during the holiday seasons of 1960, 1961, and 1962. So, while it had its first birthday in the previous decade, it belonged to the 1960s.
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5. ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ by Robert Goulet (1968)
This song was recorded countless times by countless artists, such as Pat Boone and Jim Nabors. The golden-throated Robert Goulet also had his way with it in 1968, and the song’s original lyricist, Noël Regney, said that was his favorite version of the tune.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Liz Kearley.
6. ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ by Andy Williams (1963)
Written in 1963 by songwriters Edward Pola and George Wyle, Andy Williams’ take on this classic is the song’s definitive version. Many other quite capable singers, such as Johnny Mathis, recorded it too, but Williams’ version remains definitive.
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7. ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by Darlene Love (1963)
If your honey is away during the holidays, leaving you dejected, Darlene Love’s recording of “’Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” will provide commiseration and comfort. In 2023, Love teamed up with Cher to re-record the song for the album “Christmas,” made by Sonny Bono’s ex-wife.
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8. ‘Little Saint Nick’ by The Beach Boys (1963)
For most of us, the holidays summon images of falling snow, children receiving sweaters as gifts, and roaring fireplaces. Unless, of course, you’re the Beach Boys, whose “Little Saint Nick” summons to mind such seasonally inappropriate attributes of Southern California as sand, tanning lotion, and sunscreen.
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9. ‘Blue Christmas’ by Elvis Presley (1964)
Elvis is best known for his rock ‘n’ roll recordings, but he could be a pretty convincing balladeer when he wanted to be. This is one of those times, and while many artists have recorded the song, it remains strongly associated with him.
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10. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ by Frank Sinatra (1963)
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’” was initially performed in the 1940s by Judy Garland in the movie “Meet Me in St. Louis.” While there was certainly nothing wrong with her version, Old Blue Eyes took a crack at it anyway in 1963, and that version is likely the one you hear every time you go to Rite Aid after November 1.
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11. ‘The Christmas Song’ by Nat King Cole (1961)
“The Christmas Song” might not be Nat King Cole’s most famous song, but his velvet croon makes it the best rendition. It’s superior to most other artists’ takes and better than his three previous recordings of the same song.
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12. ‘Winter Wonderland’ by Aretha Franklin (1964)
The Queen of Soul’s take on this classic tune is respectful of the original and ticks all the vocally acrobatic boxes we expect from her. The song was recorded by others previously and since then, but no other version has her glass-shattering vocals.
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13. ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’ by The Crystals (1963)
The Crystals’ version of this song was recorded for the 1963 album “A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.” The LP features songs performed by the Ronettes and Darlene Love, and makes a great addition to your holiday playlist, assuming you have one.
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14. ‘Silent Night’ by Mahalia Jackson (1962)
Mahalia Jackson had a voice so powerful she could have sung opera had she been so inclined. The gospel stuff she did instead is some of the most powerful ever recorded, and she brings 100% of that energy to the song.
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15. ‘Christmas Time is Here’ by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
“’Christmas Time is Here’” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is better suited to the night of December 25 than the morning due to its sleepy arrangement. Put it on for your kids when they can’t get to sleep because they had too much sugar.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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