Here Comes Santa Claus was written by Gene Autrey and Oakley Haldeman, inspired by Autrey’s experience of riding his horse in the 1946 Santa Claus Lane Parade in Los Angeles during which crowds of spectators chanted, “Here comes Santa Claus”. A demo recording was made by singer/guitarist Johnny Bond whose recording made use of ice cubes to mimic the sound of the jingling sleigh-bells which, in turn, inspired the use of real sleigh-bells in Autry’s own recording of the song.
Many great artists have recorded the song including Doris Day, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, Willie Nelson, Billy Idol and Ludacris. Now Bob Dylan has recorded it for his new album Christmas in the Heart which you can buy here.