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.
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1934: Eddie Cantor and the Great Depression
- Eddie Cantor, a famous radio star in 1934, needed a Christmas song to uplift listeners during the Great Depression.
- Lyricist Haven Gillespie wrote "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" on a subway ride, inspired by his mother's stories.
A Competing Narrative
- Though Eddie Cantor commissioned the song, Harry Reisner recorded it first, leading to a "Winklevoss Zuckerberg situation."
- Despite the confusion, Cantor's Thanksgiving Day performance sparked immense sales, 500,000 sheet music and 30,000 records within 24 hours.
Original Lyrics Reflect the Great Depression
- Original lyrics included verses about economic hardship, reflecting the Depression era anxieties.
- Later versions omitted these, highlighting the song's evolution and changing cultural context.