Cody Johnson treated his audience to a rockin’ rendition of “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” during his very own Christmas special.
On Wednesday, December 13th, CMT aired CMT Presents: A Cody Johnson Christmas. The special featured appearances from his wife, Brandi, and their daughters Clara and Cori, as well as his parents Sheila and Carl.
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What did Cody Johnson perform during his Christmas special?
Johnson performed nearly all the tracks from his 2021 album A Cody Johnson Christmas.
Those songs include “Away In A Manger,” his original song “Christmas All Year Long,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Hat Made of Mistletoe,” “White Christmas,” “Pretty Paper,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and the Elvis Presley classic “Santa Claus Is Back In Town.”
“Santa Claus Is Back in Town” emerged in 1957 as part of Elvis Presley’s iconic Christmas album.
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song oozes with Presley’s signature rock ‘n’ roll style fused with a festive spirit. Its release marked a departure from traditional Christmas tunes, injecting a vibrant energy into the holiday music scene. Presley’s sultry vocals and the upbeat rhythm created an instant hit, becoming a staple in his repertoire and a favorite among fans.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of Santa’s return to town, bringing joy and excitement, blending the mythical figure of Santa with Presley’s rockstar persona. Over the years, numerous artists have covered this classic, solidifying its place as a beloved rock-infused Christmas anthem that continues to evoke nostalgia and merriment during the holiday season.
Cody Johnson’s version is just as rockin’ as Elvis’.
Johnson stayed pretty close to Presley’s version, and even before the TV special, it was already a fan favorite off the album! He admitted he wouldn’t be shakin’ his hips too much, but he did have a little different swagger than normal!
Watch Johnson perform the rockin’ tune in the video below.