Introduction
“Jingle Bell Rock,” an iconic American Christmas song, made its debut in 1957 with Bobby Helms as the first artist to release it. Since its initial release, the song has become a staple on the airwaves in the United States during every Christmas season, solidifying its status as Bobby Helms’ signature song. While the composition is credited to Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe, an authorship controversy exists, with both Helms and session guitarist Hank Garland disputing this claim.
Helms’ Recordings
Bobby Helms’ rendition from 1957, produced by Paul Cohen, remains the most renowned version. The song draws inspiration from the classic Christmas standard, “Jingle Bells,” with its title and some lyrics serving as an extension. Notably, it incorporates references to popular songs of the 1950s, such as “Rock Around the Clock,” and mentions attending a “Jingle hop.” Hank Garland’s electric guitar introduces the chorus with the first notes of “Jingle Bells,” while the Anita Kerr Singers provide backup vocals.
Helms revisited “Jingle Bell Rock” in subsequent years, re-recording it multiple times. The original version, released on Decca 9-30513 in October 1957, was re-recorded in 1965 on Kapp K-719 and again in 1967 on Little Darlin’ LD-0038. In 1970, Helms recorded the entire “Jingle Bell Rock” album on Certron C-7013, releasing the title track on Certron C-10021 with a picture sleeve. Another rendition surfaced on Gusto Records, part of their “Power Pak” label. Helms continued to re-record the song, presenting versions on Ashley AS-4200 (year unknown) and, in 1983, on Black Rose 82713.
Despite the passage of time, “Jingle Bell Rock” endures as a beloved holiday classic, with Bobby Helms leaving an indelible mark on the Christmas music landscape through his various recordings of this festive and timeless tune.
Video
Lyrics
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rockJingle bells swing and jingle bells ringSnowin’ and blowin’ up bushels of funNow the jingle hop has begunJingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rockJingle bells chime in jingle bell timeDancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell SquareIn the frosty airWhat a bright time, it’s the right timeTo rock the night awayJingle bell time is a swell timeTo go glidin’ in a one-horse sleighGiddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feetJingle around the clockMix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feetThat’s the jingle bell rockJingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rockJingle bells chime in jingle bell timeDancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell SquareIn the frosty airWhat a bright time, it’s the right timeTo rock the night awayJingle bell time is a swell timeTo go glidin’ in a one-horse sleighGiddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feetJingle around the clockMix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feetThat’s the jingle bellThat’s the jingle bellThat’s the jingle bell rock