Gene Autry Celebrates Santa’s Arrival In “Up On The Housetop”

Revisit Gene Autry’s Famous Recording Of The Christmas Classic “Up On The Housetop”

Most Christmas songs date back to the 1800s, which is when one beloved Christmas classic came into this world. Called “Up on the Housetop,” the song was written by American composer Benjamin Hanby.

William Studwell wrote in The Christmas Carol Reader that “Up on the Housetop” was unique in the fact that it was the first Christmas song to focus primarily on Santa Claus.

Hanby also wrote another Christmas tune about the jolly man in red, and we’re sure you recognize it. Does “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” ring a bell?

Artists of varying genres have recorded Hanby’s Christmas songs in the decades that have passed. But the most notable rendition of “Up on the Housetop” was recorded by a singing cowboy.

The “Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry Left Behind An Extensive Catalog Of Christmas Tunes

Gene Autry was no stranger to Christmas songs. His recordings of “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” were hits when they were released. Today, these recordings remain on many families’ Christmas soundtracks.

RELATED: THE “SINGING COWBOY” GENE AUTRY PERFORMS MEDLEY OF WESTERN SONGS IN 1942

After experiencing success with the songs mentioned above., Autry recorded “Up on the Housetop.” He released his recording in 1953.

Unlike his other Christmas songs, Autry’s version of “Up on the Housetop” never charted. However, it is arguably the most recognizable version of the song out there today.

Listening to Autry sing about Santa jumping down the chimney can instantly put anyone in the Christmas spirit. Even if you’ve listened to his version of the song a hundred times already, it’s worth listening to again. Tune in to the clip below to hear it.

What kind of Christmas memories do you get when you listen to Autry’s recording of this holiday classic? We’d love to hear your stories!