Chuck Berry – “Run Rudolph Run“
Recorded in 1958 Chuck Berry released this iconic song. Though it has been covered by numerous performers this is the definitive version.
Beach Boys – “Little Saint Nick”
The track, based on “Little Deuce Coupe” with different lyrics, actually had a longer life span than the original.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono – “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
In 1971, John and Yoko recorded “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” with the Harlem Community Choir, which was both a holiday and protest song against the Vietnam War.
Elton John – “Step Into Christmas”
Written by Elton and Bernie Taupin, it was released as a stand-alone single in November, ’73.
Ramones – “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”
It was the Ramones last song on their ‘89 album, “Brain Drain.” It was covered by Cheap Trick in 2017.
The Darkness – “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)”
Released in ’03, the song was eventually included in the “Christmas Edition” of the band’s debut album, “Permission To Land.”
The Eagles – “Please Come Home For Christmas“
Charlie Brown wrote and released the song in ’60. The Eagles covered the tune 18 years later (with “Funky New Year” on the B-side).
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Christmas All Over Again”
The band penned this song for “A Very Special Christmas” TV special in ‘00.
U2 – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
Originally released in ’63 by Darlene Love, who called it “the greatest Christmas song of all time, U2’s version was recorded during a sound check in Glasgow, during the band’s ‘87 “Joshua Tree” Tour.
Bruce Springsteen – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
Recorded during a Long Island gig in December 1975, it was released as the B-Side to “My Hometown” in ‘85 and it soon became a holiday classic.
Band Aid – “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
The one-time-only supergroup to aid famine relief in Ethiopia was comprised of U2’s Bono (pictured), Phil Collins, Boy George and Sting, among others. The song became a massive hit leading to Live Aid the following year (‘85).
Mariah Carey – “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Written by Carey, the track has become one of her signature numbers and has strongly tied her to the holiday season.
New Holiday Tunes:
Bon Jovi – “Christmas Isn’t Christmas“
“(It) is a song that I wrote about family,” explained frontman Jon Bon Jovi. “The sentiment that Christmas really isn’t Christmas without YOU which can bring up a lot of memories for people.”
Buckcherry – “Tell ‘Em It’s Christmas.”
