This is a fun little song by the Royal Guardsmen, who got to be known as the “Snoopy band” for their hits – two gold records – about Snoopy. It wasn’t necessarily their choice, but they had a surprise smash hit with “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” in 1966 (hitting #2 on the chart) and their manager was keen to keep trying to do the same thing. Now, “Snoopy’s Christmas” may be the more famous of the two of their “gold” singles with it’s story reminiscent of the 1914 WWI Christmas truce.
I’d seen the animated video to go with this song, but this live version is awesome as well. I mean, how often do you see a marching glockenspiel in a pop band? The 60s era “high tech” graphics are a hoot as well, and if you think the young men look impossibly young… Well, when “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” came out in 1966, four of the members of the band were still in high school, and touring had to wait for Christmas break and once they graduated in 1967. While this song was recorded in 1967, the four were no longer in high school, but still in their teens.
Another little bit of trivia here – According to the band, they were the first band from Florida to have a record to sell a million copies.
In addition to the “Carol of the Bells” playlist, I’ve started a general playlist of Christmas songs that will include pieces mentioned here, for anyone interested.
Breath of Hallelujah 
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