Monday, December 18th: The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The origins of this song is about hunting in south Africa with the hopes of good fortune as the beast sleeps. It was first recorded in 1939, in Zulu.
An American folk singer picked up on it and it made its’ way to a recording studio in America. The Zulu was poorly translated (Uyimbube) – in the ‘new’ version it’s “wimoweh”, supposedly “You are a lion”.
On December 18th, 1961, it reached number one for The Tokens.
Tuesday, December 19th: Jimmy Boyd – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Recorded in July of 1952, this song was commissioned by Saks Fifth Avenue to promote their Christmas card that year.
Wednesday, December 20th: Bobby Darin – Christmas Auld Lang Syne
Bobby Darin died on this day, 50 years ago, after having open heart surgery. He was only 37 years old. As a child he suffered from rheumatic fever enough times that it weakened his heart.
Thursday, December 21st: Diana Ross & The Supremes – Someday We’ll Be Together
It was on this day in 1969 that Diana Ross performs with the Supremes for the final time. They performed this song on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Friday, December 22nd: Chipmunks – The Chipmunk Song
65 years ago today, this tune reached #1 on the Hot 100, which happens to be the the last Christmas song to ever top it!