Writer: J.F. Coots and H. Gillespie
Producers: Bruce Springsteen, Mike Appel, and Jimmy Iovine
Recorded: December 12, 1975, at C.W. Post College in Brookville, New York
Released: 1975 (radio); 1981 (commercial)
| Players: | Bruce Springsteen — vocals, guitar Miami Steve Van Zandt — guitar, vocals Garry Tallent — bass, vocals Clarence Clemons — saxophone, vocals Roy Bittan — piano Danny Federici — organ Max Weinberg — drums |
| Album: | In Harmony 2 (Columbia, 1981) |
A jovial version of the holiday classic built from Phil Spector's 1963 arrangement, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” was a regular holiday feature in Bruce Springsteen's shows before this version was recorded at a college show on the Born To Run tour.
The recording was quickly released to radio stations as a promotional-only track and became a staple during the holiday season. It also became a popular bootleg item as Springsteen fans clamored for its release.
The song finally saw a commercial release in 1981, when it was included on the children's album In Harmony 2.
It was also included on a 12-inch promotional disc in 1984 for the Springsteen single “Born In The U.S.A.”
“Santa Claus” has never been released on an authorized Springsteen recording.