Santa Baby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Santa Baby" |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Eartha Kitt | ||||
| B-side | "Under the Bridges of Paris" | |||
| Released | October 2, 1953 | |||
| Format | 7" | |||
| Recorded | July 1953 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | RCA Victor (47–5502) | |||
| Writer(s) |
|
|||
| Eartha Kitt singles chronology | ||||
|
||||
"Santa Baby" is a famous Christmas song. The American singer Eartha Kitt first sang it in 1953. She performed it with Henri René and His Orchestra.
The song was written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer. Philip Springer also used the name Tony Springer. This was to help get the song published faster. The lyrics are a funny, playful list of Christmas wishes. A woman asks Santa Claus for very fancy gifts. These include expensive furs, yachts, and jewelry from Tiffany's.
When it first came out, music critics had different opinions. Philip Springer himself didn't really like "Santa Baby" at first. He thought it was one of his weaker songs. But over time, it has appeared on lists of both the best and worst Christmas songs ever.
The Song's Story
"Santa Baby" was released on October 2, 1953. It quickly became very popular. The song is known for its jazzy style. Eartha Kitt's unique voice made it special.
The co-writer, Philip Springer, said he wrote the music very quickly. He finished it in about ten minutes. This shows how some great songs can come together fast!
How Popular Was It?
In the United States, "Santa Baby" was a huge hit. It was the best-selling Christmas song of 1953. Even many years later, it became popular again. In the 2000s and 2010s, it appeared on various music charts. These charts are from Billboard magazine.
The song also did well in other countries. It reached high spots on music charts in Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. By 2014, Eartha Kitt's original version had sold over 620,000 copies. It was also on her first music collection, called an extended play, in 1954.
Covers and Tributes
Many other artists have sung "Santa Baby." They have made their own versions of the song. Some famous singers who covered it include Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift, and Trisha Yearwood.
Other musicians, like Ariana Grande and Gwen Stefani, released their covers as singles. Many of these new versions also became very popular. For example, Kylie Minogue's version reached the top 40 in the UK Singles Chart. It sold over 600,000 copies.
Madonna's cover sold 270,000 copies in the United States. Many music critics thought her version helped make the song popular again. However, Eartha Kitt herself didn't like Madonna's connection to her song.
Ariana Grande's cover was a duet with Elizabeth Gillies. It appeared on charts in countries like Australia, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Interestingly, Michael Bublé's version of the song has been called one of the worst Christmas songs by some people.
Sales and Charts
"Santa Baby" has continued to be a favorite during the holidays. It has appeared on Billboard charts in the 21st century.
For example, in December 2012, it reached number 11 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales chart. This chart tracks how many holiday songs are bought online. The song has spent a total of 101 weeks on this chart. It also reached number 6 on the Holiday Streaming Songs chart. This chart tracks how many times holiday songs are streamed online.
In 2008, "Santa Baby" received a gold certification. This means it had shipped over 500,000 copies as a mastertone (like a ringtone). A company called Sony BMG said that "Santa Baby" was one of the most popular holiday ringtones.
