Record #0019: Jingle Bell Rock / Captain Santa Claus – BOBBY HELMS

Decca 9-30513 (original), USA, Dec.23, 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Joe Beal, Jim Boothe; Side B – Arthur Altman, Don Reid
Musicians:  Bobby Helms (vocals), Hank Garland (lead guitar), Grady Martin (guitar), Harold Bradley (guitar), Ray Edenton (guitar), Owen Bradley (piano), Bob Moore (bass), Buddy Harman (drums), Anita Kerr Singers (backing vocals)
Recording sessions:  Owen Bradley Studios, Nashville, TN, Oct.29, 1957
Highest chart positions:  US #6, US Country #1 (some sources say #13), UK # -

Maybe I should have saved this for Christmas, but it was in the first box of records, so here it goes.

Decca released Bobby Helms’ first big hit “My Special Angel” (US #7, US Country #1) two months before this single came out. Jingle Bell Rock was his second and last Top 10 in US pop charts. 

This is another classic from “Bradley’s Barn” – loaded with legendary session musicians, as usual.

The title song is probably one of the most covered Christmas songs (in rock / pop). 

“Dancing and prancing …” :)

List price:  “Very Good+” is $12.50 and “Near Mint” is $25