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Christmas Music - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
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items The lyrics for this song about Saint Nicholas were written back in 1874, but it took a long time for the first recorded version (in 1949) to hit public consciousness. There have been many cover songs since, but modern Christmas albums by contemporary...
Here's the first known recording of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," by Ray Smith in 1949. It's based on lyrics from a song published in 1874.
1949 Ray Smith - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
The Melissa Sings channel offers this breathy high voiced version of the song for children to enjoy.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Lean Your Ear This Way - With Lyrics (Melissa Sings Christmas)
Ray Conniff had a hit on his hands with his rendition of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" from his 1962 vinyl album "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Apparently he changed some of the lyrics from the original in the part of the song about which gifts the chil...
Jolly Old St. Nicholas / Ray Conniff Singers
I never expected to hear Barbie singing a Christmas song. Here she is singing Jolly Old St. Nicholas from "Barbie in A Christmas Carol."
Barbie - Jolly Old St. Nicholas (Audio) | Barbie in A Christmas Carol
Chet Atkins performed "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" on his 1964 album "Christmas with Chet Atkins."
Chet Atkins - Jolly Old St. Nicholas (Audio)
Here's a beautiful rendition of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" by the International Children's Choir. It's so precious!
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
If you can stand listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks, here's their version of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" from their Christmas Chipmunks Vol. 2 album.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
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Eddy Arnold recorded his slow moving version of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" in 1962. It's a really relaxing version. He plays guitar and just sings simply and slowly.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Disney weighs in on the Jolly Old Saint Nicholas song, with this edition from their Disney's Merry Christmas Carols album. It's actually quite sweet and charming to listen to.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas by Walt Disney Cartoons
Listen to this song courtesy of the Disneyland Children's sing-along choir, on Disney's Christmas Favorites album. Such sweet voices!
The Disneyland Children's Sing-Along Choir - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Chicago covered this song and rocked out. This is the 2023 remaster of their studio performance.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas (2023 Remaster)
This version of Jolly Old St. Nicholas by Eddy Arnold was released in 2010. It's a very slow, relaxed version of the song.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
The University of Notre Dame teaches us the history of the "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" song and the lyrics and origins.
The History of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Al Morgan released this rockabilly style edition of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" in 1950. He took a few liberties with the tone, lyrics and style of this song, and made it fun. There is orchestral music in the background.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas ~ Al Morgan (1950)
Here is the sweet version of this song performed by WeeSing singers and actors. This video is made for very young children.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas | Wee Sing
The Caroleer SIngers and Orchestra performed Jolly Old Saint Nicholas on this "Frosty the Snowman" album, part of Children's Christmas Favorites.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
This 1951 version of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas from The Marlin Sisters gives a 1940s wartime close harmony vibe. Sung fast, peppy and energetically.
The Marlin Sisters - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas [1951].
A fun and whimsical rendition of the song from Stubby and the Buccaneers, with a nice bass singer and barbershop quartet style vocals. Recorded in 1950.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas ~ Stubby and The Buccaneers, Tiny Stokes and Male Trio (vocals) (1950)
I never thought I'd hear a cowboy version of this song, but Wilf Carter produced this and here it is!
Jolly Old St.Nicholas -- Wilf Carter
The Ames Brothers made this barbershop quartet version of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas back in 1951 in the midcentury.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (1951) - The Ames Brothers
I feel like Andy Williams really missed the mark on this cover of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas." Andy is one of my top three favorite Christmas crooners, but this version is weird, keeps stopping in weird spots, slow and boring. Shoot.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas by Andy Williams
Here's a really creative version of this song, with jingle bells, a glockenspiel (if I'm not mistaken) and a playful attitude. There are some close vocal harmonies, and a barbershop bass voice included. 1950 was the pinnacle of the midcentury Christm...
Jolly Old St. Nicholas ~ The Knaves with Nancy Harrie At the Piano (1950)
Here's an upbeat version of this classic Christmas song by The Sound of Children at Christmas album from "Hugo and Luigi with their Children's Chorus." I'm sorry, but the kids almost sound robotic.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
If you're curious about the history and song origins of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," head to the Wikipedia page. We learn that the original lyrics were likely penned in 1874, but had earlier origins than that, such as a poem from 1865.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas on Wikipedia
I couldn't resist showing you this Jolly Old Saint Nicholas coloring book from 1976. Love the retro fonts and styling!
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas Coloring Book (White Coffee Pot Jr. Promo, 1976) HTF
If you happen to play the piano, here's sheet music for the song from 1974.
1974 JOLLY OLD ST. NICHOLAS Sheet Music Traditional CHRISTMAS