home All News open_in_new Read More

Jackson 5’s Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town was written by accident after heartbreaking tragedy

The festive classic, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, made famous by the Jackson 5, has an emotional backstory and it's not the only Christmas song to be tainted with tragedy

Jackson 5’s Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town was written by accident after heartbreaking tragedy - OK!
LifestyleJackson 5’s Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town was written by accident after heartbreaking tragedy
The festive classic, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, made famous by the Jackson 5, has an emotional backstory and it's not the only Christmas song to be tainted with tragedy
LifestyleBy Alice PenwillTV Writer
The Jackson 5 Christmas hit has a sad backstory
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners.
The classic tune Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town is a festive hit everyone knows, but there’s a tragic backstory to the song.
Made famous by the Jackson 5in 1970, the hit was written years earlier J.
Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934 when the Haven was asked to write a festive song for kids.
The sad backstory comes from the fact that Haven attended the meeting about creating the song straight from his twin brother's funeral and politely declined on account of his grief.
But on the train journey home, Haven remembered all the happy Christmastimes he'd enjoyed with his sibling and came up with the lyrics to the song, which include: "You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why...
Santa Claus is coming to town."
The creator behind Jackson 5's Christmas hit was struck with family tragedy before writing the song Despite the song's popularity, Haven apparently avoided listening to it at all costs because he devastated over his brother's tragic passing.
And that’s not the only Christmas classic with a sad backstory, the song Stay Another Day by East 17 was written by lead songwriter Tony Mortimer after a sad incident, and actually, the song wasn’t even intended to become a Christmas classic.
Speaking to the Big Issue, Tony said: "It's so odd that it's a Christmas song.
I wrote it about my brother's suicide - so it's about the end of a relationship, and missing someone.
It might have been a hit because people felt sorry for me or whatever, but it's also a very nostalgic song for Christmas, for looking back over the years and times gone by."
Stay Another Day reached Number 1 in the UK charts when it was first released in 1994 and regularly reappears in the Top 50 in the lead up to Christmas.
East 17 star Tony Mortimer says Stay Another Day was never meant to be a Christmas hit (Image: Getty) White Christmas was a festive tune written by Irving Berlin, and was intended to be released as part of a Broadway musical.
The musical never made it to stage, so the song was eventually sung by Bing Crosby - which is how we all know it now.
The song debuted in the 1942 film Holiday Inn followed by White Christmas, and became the best-selling single of all time.
White Christmas is a song reminiscing about an old-fashioned Christmas setting but again, the song actually had a heartbreaking backstory.
Irving was Jewish and didn't celebrate Christmas.
However, his son died on Christmas Day when he was just three weeks old and each year, he and his wife would visit their child’s grave.
Written in 1940, and released two years later, the song also had a big amount of meaning for soldiers serving in the Second World War.
When Bing went overseas to perform, it was the tune that was most requested, but he was hesitant to sing it as it made the soldiers upset.
Bing was asked to perform White Christmas everywhere he went (Image: Michael Ochs Archives) Bing once said: "I hesitated about doing it because invariably it caused such a nostalgic yearning among the men, that it made them sad.
Heaven knows, I didn't come that far to make them sad.
For this reason, several times I tried to cut it out of the show, but these guys just hollered for it."
Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
More On Christmas
In the NewsAmazon Fire TV Stick alert issued to all UK homes streaming content for freeThe use of 'dodgy' Fire TV Sticks continues to rise as they offer full access to premium services, including sports, for a fraction of the price - but there are risks involved
Celeb exes who reunite at Christmas just for their children - with surprising confessionsChristine McGuinnessEXCLUSIVE: A string of famous former couples put their differences aside and reunite at Christmas for their kids, with an expert explaining it can be hugely beneficial for everyone
Loose Women star left with just £87 at Christmas amid mum’s devastating illnessLoose WomenLoose Women's Judi Love made a heartbreaking confession on the talk show, once saying she couldn't afford Christmas presents for her two children after her mum's death
Boots shoppers rush to stock up on anti-ageing serum that's 'as good as' Estee Lauder's £65 buyBoots £10 TuesdayBoots shoppers have been quick to snap up a popular anti-ageing serum from L'Oreal Paris, which has been reduced by £25 as part of the retailer's weekly £10 Tuesday deal
Full list of people who can cancel BBC TV licence and get £169.50 refundAmazon PrimeThere's 43% of people in the UK who don't fully understand what a TV licence is, a study revealed earlier this year - but some people don't even need one and if you're eligible you can get a refund
Gavin and StaceyNeil the Baby star from Gavin and Stacey looks totally unrecognisable 16 years after debutNeil the Baby from Gavin and Stacey now looks totally unrecognisable as he's all grown up, years after appearing on the sitcom alongside James Corden and Ruth Jones
The 6 royal beauty rules that Kate Middleton can never break during official Christmas eventsKate MiddletonWhether she's taking part in royal engagements or attending black tie events, the Princess of Wales never breaks these beauty rules, say experts
How to choose the perfect red lipstick for your skin tone this ChristmasBeautyA red lip is the quickest and easiest way to make any outfit look festive, so let your lips be your best accessory this Christmas with our top tips on finding your perfect red shade
7 times the Princess of Wales and Queen Mary of Denmark matched their outfits almost identicallyKate MiddletonThe Princess of Wales and the Queen of Denmark have matched in multiple outfits over the years as they have coincidentally taken style inspiration from one another
Celeb exes who reunite at Christmas just for their children - with surprising confessionsChristine McGuinnessEXCLUSIVE: A string of famous former couples put their differences aside and reunite at Christmas for their kids, with an expert explaining it can be hugely beneficial for everyone
In the News90s pop legend who 'threw himself around the stage' suddenly dies aged 5990s rock icon, Casey Chaos, from the band Amen has sadly passed away aged 59 with fans, friends and musicians all paying tribute to the singer as they call him a 'legend'
Inside Prince William's 'tense' relationship with 'secret' sister joining royals for ChristmasPrince WilliamPrince William's 'secret' step-sister Laura Lopes is set to join the royals at Sandringham for Christmas this year, but they haven't always had the best relationship
Rochelle Humes defends 'unconventional Christmas' as she jets off on 12th trip of the yearRochelle HumesRochelle and Marvin Humes are spending Christmas away from the cold as they jet off to Dubai on their 12th trip this year, as The Saturdays defends their decision
Gavin And Stacey star hit by train after night at the pub at ChristmasGavin and StaceyGavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne, who plays one of the beloved titled roles, suffered a frightful accident one Christmas when he was hit by a train after a night out
BBC radio legend dies suddenly after playing tennis as wife shares touching tributeIn the NewsBBC Radio presenter David Arscott sadly passed away aged 81 after a game of tennis, with his wife of many years, Jill, sharing a touching tribute as she looked back on his successful career
William and KatePrince William and Kate Middleton's very different Christmas which broke royal traditionsThe Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to join the rest of the Royal Family at Sandringham House for Christmas - but one year, they bucked tradition and had a unique day
Molly-Mae Hague shows off tree and special present for Bambi amid Christmas without Tommy FuryMolly-Mae HagueMolly-Mae Hague has been keeping her Instagram followers up to date with her Christmas celebrations - and showed off her stunning tree and a special present for daughter Bambi
A Place in the Sun’s Laura Hamilton opens up on brave battle with rare illnessLaura HamiltonA Place In The Sun presenter Laura Hamilton has opened up about the struggles of living with a rare blood disorder, and shared a photo of her heavily bruised legs
King Charles fiddles with his tie amid recording of Christmas Day speech and break from traditionKing Charles IIIIn a switch from royal tradition, King Charles chose a meaningful location to film this year's Christmas Day speech where he was seen adjusting his tie in a behind-the-scenes look
Neil the Baby star from Gavin and Stacey looks totally unrecognisable 16 years after debutGavin and StaceyNeil the Baby from Gavin and Stacey now looks totally unrecognisable as he's all grown up, years after appearing on the sitcom alongside James Corden and Ruth Jones
Top StoriesZoe Ball celebrates Christmas in New York with rarely-seen daughter Nellie and son Woody after quitting BBC Radio 2 showZoe BallZoe Ball has been pictured celebrating the end of her time on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show as she enjoyed an ice skating session in NYC with her rarely-seen daughter and son
Neil the Baby star from Gavin and Stacey looks totally unrecognisable 16 years after debutGavin and StaceyNeil the Baby from Gavin and Stacey now looks totally unrecognisable as he's all grown up, years after appearing on the sitcom alongside James Corden and Ruth Jones
Molly-Mae Hague shows off tree and special present for Bambi amid Christmas without Tommy FuryMolly-Mae HagueMolly-Mae Hague has been keeping her Instagram followers up to date with her Christmas celebrations - and showed off her stunning tree and a special present for daughter Bambi
Coronation Street spoiler as legend returns with crew going to 'incredible lengths' to keep secretCoronation StreetRichard Hillman will make a terrifying return to the cobbles in tonight's Coronation Street, with huge measures taken by the soap to keep the villain's comeback a secret
King Charles fiddles with his tie amid recording of Christmas Day speech and break from traditionKing Charles IIIIn a switch from royal tradition, King Charles chose a meaningful location to film this year's Christmas Day speech where he was seen adjusting his tie in a behind-the-scenes look
A Place in the Sun’s Laura Hamilton opens up on brave battle with rare illnessLaura HamiltonA Place In The Sun presenter Laura Hamilton has opened up about the struggles of living with a rare blood disorder, and shared a photo of her heavily bruised legs
Inside Prince William's 'tense' relationship with 'secret' sister joining royals for ChristmasPrince WilliamPrince William's 'secret' step-sister Laura Lopes is set to join the royals at Sandringham for Christmas this year, but they haven't always had the best relationship
90s pop legend who 'threw himself around the stage' suddenly dies aged 59In the News90s rock icon, Casey Chaos, from the band Amen has sadly passed away aged 59 with fans, friends and musicians all paying tribute to the singer as they call him a 'legend'
Inside EastEnders' riotous Christmas party - from swanky venue to Bianca as DJEastEndersThe cast of EastEnders glammed up for their annual Christmas party as they danced the night away at a swanky disco event space with a DJ, let's take a peek inside...
Rochelle Humes makes huge career announcement away from This MorningRochelle HumesThis Morning presenter Rochelle Humes has revealed some new and exciting career plans to her Instagram followers - and it's all set to kick off on New Year's Day
Loose Women’s Gloria Hunniford's heartbreaking way of coping with first Christmas without husbandGloria HunnifordTV presenter Gloria Hunniford has admitted she has gone "all out" with her Christmas decorations this year in a bid to bring some "cheer" into her home after her husband's death
Rochelle Humes defends 'unconventional Christmas' as she jets off on 12th trip of the yearRochelle HumesRochelle and Marvin Humes are spending Christmas away from the cold as they jet off to Dubai on their 12th trip this year, as The Saturdays defends their decision


today 13 hours ago attach_file Politics
attach_file Society
attach_file Events
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics
attach_file Politics


ID: 9481581
Add Watch Country

arrow_drop_down