Benjamin Hanby: The Songwriter Behind the Classic Christmas Carol ‘Up On The Housetop’

The History of ‘Up On The Housetop’:

From Benjamin Hanby’s Original Song to Modern Day Recordings

The song “Up On The Housetop” has been a beloved holiday classic for many years, and it has been recorded by a wide variety of artists over the years. Originally written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864, the song tells the story of Santa Claus delivering presents to the children of the world. It features catchy lyrics and an upbeat melody that make it fun to sing along to, and it has become a staple of holiday music.

Benjamin Russell Hanby (July 22, 1833 — March 16, 1867)

In addition to being the writer of “Up On The Housetop,” Benjamin Hanby was also a composer and songwriter who is known for his contributions to the field of American popular music. He was born in Rushville, Indiana in 1833, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a minister and it’s believed his mother sang hymns, and Hanby learned to play the piano and the organ at a young age.

After completing his education, Hanby began working as a music teacher, and he eventually moved to Chicago, where he began writing songs. His first big hit was “Darling Nelly Gray,” which was released in 1856 and became a popular song in the United States and Europe. Hanby followed up this success with another hit, “Who Is He In Yonder Stall,” which was written in 1867.

Hanby’s songwriting career was cut short, however, as he passed away at the young age of 33 in 1867. Despite his untimely death, Hanby’s songs continue to be enjoyed by people all around the world, and “Up On The Housetop” remains one of his most enduring and beloved works. His ability to craft catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics has made him an important figure in the history of American music, and his contributions to the world of popular song will be remembered for years to come.

Throughout the years, many different artists have recorded their own versions of “Up On The Housetop,” each bringing their own unique style and flair to the song. Some of the most popular versions of the song have been recorded by artists such as Gene Autry, The Jackson 5, and Pentatonix.

Gene Autry’s version of “Up On The Housetop” was released in 1953, and it became one of the most popular versions of the song. Autry was known as the “Singing Cowboy,” and his version of the song featured a western twist, with a twangy guitar and a lively beat.

The Jackson 5 also recorded a version of “Up On The House Top” in 1970, and their upbeat, soulful take on the song became a holiday favorite. The group’s signature harmonies and energetic performance made their version of the song stand out, and it has remained a fan favorite for many years.

Pentatonix released their version of “Up On The Housetop” in 2016, and it quickly became a hit with listeners. The a cappella group’s unique arrangement and tight harmonies made their version of the song stand out, and it has been played on radio stations and in homes around the world ever since.

In recent years, “Up On The Housetop” has continued to be a popular holiday song, with many artists recording their own versions of the classic tune. Some of the more recent versions of the song have been recorded by artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Reba McEntire, KIDZ BOP, Super Simple Songs, each bringing their own unique style and interpretation to the song. And on Christmas Day 2022, Storybooksong released a brand new version of “Up On The Housetop” for kids. The song features a fun, new rockabilly arrangement and is accompanied by an animated video featuring Santa Claus. The video is filled with colorful animation and charming characters, and it is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Overall, “Up On The Housetop” has remained a holiday favorite for many years, with its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody making it a beloved part of the holiday season. Its enduring popularity and the many different versions recorded by a wide variety of artists throughout the years have made it a true holiday classic.

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