Rock around the Christmas tree with these holiday classics by some of your favorite NJ musicians.
Bruce Springsteen – “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
Originally released as a B-Side to the “My Hometown” single in 1985, this E-Street rendition remains a live staple.
The Shirelles – “Blue Holiday”
This Christmas song was an unusual choice for the Passaic girl group’s flipside of “Mama Said,” a #4 hit single released in April 1961.
The Smithereens – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
The Carteret power-pop group released Christmas with The Smithereens in 2007. The song is made all the more touching by the death this month of singer and guitarist Pat DiNizio.
Bon Jovi – “Back Door Santa”
This Christmas blues romp was recorded live at the Nassau Coliseum in 1987 and featured on the all-star Special Olympics fundraiser, “A Very Special Christmas.”
Yo La Tengo – “It’s Christmas Time”
The Hoboken indie-rock trio released this sing-along rendition on a Christmas EP in 2002.
Sharon Van Etten – “Blue Christmas”
Clinton singer-songwriter Van Etten offers a haunting take of the popular Elvis tune.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “All I Want for Christmas”
Led by Englewood native Karen O, the indie-rock outfit shares this alternative take of Mariah Carey’s famous version.
Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes – “Please Come Home for Christmas”
This soulful cover from the Asbury Park group received huge exposure on the Home Alone soundtrack in 1990.
Patti Smith – “White Christmas”
The punk-rock legend and Deptford Township native released this traditional rendition on a 7” produced by Todd Rundgren in 1978.
Frank Sinatra – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
The Chairman of the Board recorded this chestnut on the summer of 1947 with a 35-piece orchestra.
Lauryn Hill – “A Cradle in Bethlehem”
The former Fugees and South Orange singer released her version of this famous Nat King Cole song on Christmas Day in 2015.
Whitney Houston – “The Little Drummer Boy”
This track off Houston’s bestselling One Wish: The Holiday Album features a duet with her daughter Bobbi Kristina.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Valli’s falsetto carries this rendition, which was featured on The 4 Seasons Greetings album, released in 1962.
Dionne Warwick – “The Christmas Song”
Despite her family history in gospel music, the great pop singer from East Orange didn’t record a Christmas album until 2004.