10 fabulous sixties Christmas songs you (probably) haven’t heard of
I was with my friend in the shops the other day looking for a good foundation (which I still didn’t find) and we noticed a Christmas song was playing. My friend pulled a face like someone had stuck a wet finger in her ear.
It wasn’t because she heard a Christmas song. We know sometimes Christmas music usually starts in August. She was annoyed because it was Michael Bublé’s “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”.
“Don’t get me wrong, he seems like a lovely bloke,” She explained, “But is this the only Christmas music we have now?”
I realised she’s right. It seems like it’s just him and Mariah Carey. I bet you’re sick of hearing them too. Our Christmas song playlists are in dire need of new songs. If no one is creating good Christmas songs anymore, maybe it’s time to dig out some old ones.
So, I went home, grabbed a glass of merlot and picked out some tracks to spice things up. I killed hours. And here’s what I came up with-
Ten Sixties Christmas Songs That You (Probably) Haven't Heard Of
Merry, Merry Christmas Baby By Dodie Stevens
16 year old Dodie’s jazzy little number came during her rise to “Pink Shoes Laces” fame. But rather than continue singing, she retired, got married (yes at 16) and went to live on a farm. Still, she left some gems in her short little career.
Merry Christmas Baby By Chuck Berry
I know, it has a similar name to the previous song but it’s different. Chuck Berry’s bluesy Merry Christmas Baby is full of attitude set to a backdrop of that signature guitar that influenced so many in the 60s. I mention more about this in my free 60s music course if you wanna learn more.
She’s Coming Home By The Wailers
No, it’s not Bob Marley’s Wailers. These guys are an American rock n roll band from the ’60s. This song featured on their 1965 Christmas album that was released in collaboration with The Sonics and Galaxies. The whole album is available on Spotify. It’s pretty groovy.
Merry Christmas Baby By The Beach Boys
“Merry Christmas Baby” is a Beach Boys original taken from their Christmas Album in 1964. That album went on to make big money for the boys. You may have heard of “Little Saint Nick”? Well this one is less heard of but equally as good.
Noel Des Copains By Dany Aubé
I’m a sucker for a French bop even though I can’t understand a single word. Dany Aubé was part of the ye-ye scene and this was one of the most popular Christmas songs to come from there in the winter of 1968.
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! By Doris Day
Sure you’ve heard this song before but have you heard actress Doris Day’s version? She brought a jazzy little Christmas album out in 1964. This stripped back jazz cover of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is the best of a forgettable bunch.
I’m Gonna Be Warm This Winter By Connie Francis
Maybe you’ve heard of this one? I put it on here just in case you haven’t. Connie’s record came shortly after her first Christmas hit “Baby’s First Christmas”. But this one is much more exciting and less maternal.
Santa Claus By The Sonics
This 1965 vintage gem is such a great example of how The Sonics were a huge influence for the punk scene, and later grunge. It’s raw, imperfect and doesn’t sound like a Christmas song, if only the seasonal lyrics didn’t give it away.
I Want A Beatle For Christmas By Patty Surbey & The Canadian VIPs
This was originally sang by actress Dora Bryan and voted the best bad record of 1964. Although there are many cover versions, this one, which came out in the same year, is a much better version and taps into Beatlemania.
Little Drummer Boy By Jimi Hendrix
And last but not least is Jimi Hendrix’s spiralling version of Little Drummer Boy. This was the result of a long jamming session in 1969. It was released posthumously, and reminded fans of his natural talent for making a guitar sound like it’s an object from space.
Which ones will you add you your playlist? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS.
And if you don’t have your own playlist, you can always listen to mine. Which has absolutely no Bublé.
P.S. Share this with the friends who desperately need new songs on their Christmas playlist!
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1 comment
Absolutely love this list Mandy! Hadn’t heard of a single one till now xx