Introduction
“Santa Claus Is Back in Town” is a Christmas song written in 1957 by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and first recorded that year by Elvis Presley as the opening track on “Elvis’ Christmas Album,” the best-selling Christmas/holiday album of all time in the United States.
The song was recorded on September 7, 1957, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California. The recording session featured Elvis Presley on vocals, Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, Dudley Brooks on piano, and backing vocals by Millie Kirkham and The Jordanaires.
Upon its release, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” was paired with “Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me” and issued as a UK single concurrently with the album’s release in 1957. The single reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1957. In the United States, the song gained popularity over time and became a staple on holiday playlists. In 1965, the single “Blue Christmas”/”Santa Claus Is Back in Town” reached the number 4 position on the Billboard Top Christmas Singles chart. The “Blue Christmas”/”Santa Claus Is Back in Town” single was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1999.
The song’s lyrics feature a bluesy, rock and roll style, with Elvis playfully adopting the persona of a modern, street-smart Santa Claus arriving in a “big black Cadillac.” The suggestive lyrics and upbeat tempo set it apart from traditional Christmas songs of the era, showcasing Elvis’s unique ability to blend genres and infuse holiday music with a rock and roll edge.
Over the years, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous holiday compilations, solidifying its status as a Christmas classic. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Elvis Presley’s influence on both the rock and roll genre and holiday music..