The ‘60s was a revolutionary time for music with the rise of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Heavy Metal, but it also marked a time of wholesome Christmas music that has stood the test of time. Year after year, families have their favorite classics from past times, even if new festive music is available.
It was also a decade that saw remakes of older Christmas music like “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, 1818’s “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells” by James Lord Pierpont from the 1850s, 1941’s “The Little Drummer Boy” written by Katherine Kennicott Davis; however, a few originals from that time have stuck with families.
‘Little Saint Nick’ by The Beach Boys
This 1963 single from the all-boy band Beach Boys was about Santa Claus and his home in the snowy North Pole. Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote this classic, which blended their surf rock style with holiday spirit. It featured on The Beach Boys’ Christmas album of 1964 and has been a must-listen ever since.
‘Pretty Paper’ by Roy Orbison
This Christmas ballad, originally written by outlaw country music legend Willie Nelson, made it to Roy Orbison’s hands, and he released the single in 1963. It is a touching story of a street vendor who sells paper and ribbons for the holiday but gets ignored by shoppers. The message of the number is to remind people to be empathetic to the less privileged amid the holiday cheer.
‘Christmastime Is Here’ by Vince Guaraldi
Pianist Vince Guaraldi wrote this 1965 song for A Charlie Brown Christmas. It matched the classic holiday cartoon with the featured children’s voices and is a happy number about kids’ favorite time of the year. “Christmastime is here / Happiness and cheer / Fun for all that children call / Their favorite time of year,” the little ones could be heard singing.