AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Switched on Pop
Santa Claus is coming to town and stalking America
Dec 20, 2024
Explore the hidden layers of 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town,' a holiday classic that reflects America's musical and social evolution. Discover its origins during the Great Depression and how various artists have reinterpreted it over nine decades, from Bing Crosby to Justin Bieber. Uncover the song's eerie undertones and themes of obsession, and see how gospel and Motown influences transformed its sound. Finally, dive into the rich cultural identity of Santa Claus and the song's impact across generations.
33:05
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The song 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' was created during the Great Depression to uplift spirits and reflect childhood joy.
- Various artists have covered the song over decades, each version mirroring the cultural and social changes of its time.
Deep dives
Origins of a Christmas Classic
The song 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' was written in 1934 during the Great Depression, aiming to lift spirits amidst economic strife. Eddie Cantor, a leading radio star at the time, sought a new Christmas song and collaborated with lyricist Haven Gillespie and composer J. Fred Coots. They crafted lyrics inspired by childhood memories, which featured themes of good behavior and the anticipation of gifts. This song quickly became a hit after its debut at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with over half a million copies of sheet music sold within 24 hours.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode