EPISODE 399

The first time you hear "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," it probably registers as just another cheery holiday standard. But hiding within this seemingly simple song is a remarkable story of American transformation - musical, technological, and social. Each time artists reimagine the song over its 90-year history, they leave an imprint not just of their own style, but of their entire cultural moment.

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Produced by Jake Cassman

Artists Discussed

Eddie Cantor

Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters

The Crystals

Ella Fitzgerald

Fred Astaire

The Jackson Five

Bruce Springsteen

Justin Bieber