Dean Martin's Long-Lost Holiday Gem Enters Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart
Nearly 72 years after Dean Martin first recorded it, his rendition of "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" is making waves, debuting on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The iconic recording, Martin’s earliest known holiday performance, was finally released on October 14, delighting fans and adding a fresh layer to his legendary career.
A Hidden Holiday Treasure Unearthed
Dean Martin’s version of "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" dates back to a December 16, 1952, broadcast of NBC’s The Martin and Lewis Show, where he performed alongside his comedic partner, Jerry Lewis, and guest star Ginger Rogers. Written by Meredith Willson in 1951, the song has since become a timeless holiday classic, but Martin’s sole recorded version remained unreleased for decades.
This marks yet another milestone in Martin's enduring legacy, further cementing his reputation as “The King of Cool.” His effortless charm and warm vocals perfectly complement the holiday spirit, making his rendition a must-listen for the festive season.
Breaking Chart Records Decades Later
The debut of "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" on the Adult Contemporary chart extends Martin’s span of chart entries to an impressive 60 years, 4 months, and 3 weeks. His first Adult Contemporary hit, "Everybody Loves Somebody," reached No. 1 in 1964. Between 1964 and 1968, Martin scored five No. 1 hits on the chart.
With this feat, Martin edges closer to Nat King Cole’s record for the longest span of Adult Contemporary entries. Cole, whose duet version of "The Christmas Song" with John Legend charted in 2022, holds a slight lead with a span of 60 years, 5 months, and 2 weeks.
Dean Martin’s Growing Holiday Chart Legacy
This isn’t the first time Martin has made holiday chart history in recent years. Last season, his 1959 recording of "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" climbed to a new peak of No. 7 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, marking a resurgence of interest in his classic tunes. That hit joined his earlier top 10s, including "Everybody Loves Somebody", "The Door Is Still Open to My Heart", and "I Will".
A Festive Favorite Across Generations
Dean Martin’s "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" joins a roster of beloved versions of the holiday favorite, including renditions by:
- Perry Como & The Fontane Sisters (No. 12 on the Hot 100 in 2020)
- Michael Bublé (No. 19 on the Hot 100 in 2023)
- Johnny Mathis (No. 15 on the Holiday 100)
- Bing Crosby, with Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires (No. 18 on the Holiday 100)
These timeless interpretations have kept the song at the forefront of holiday playlists, with Martin’s newly released version adding another layer of nostalgia and joy for the season.
Legacy of a Legend
Dean Martin, who passed away on Christmas Day in 1995, continues to captivate audiences decades after his death. His unparalleled ability to infuse songs with charm and warmth ensures that his music remains a staple of holiday celebrations worldwide. As fans embrace his lost recording of "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," they’re reminded of Martin’s enduring influence on music and culture.
With the holidays fast approaching, this rediscovered gem is poised to become a festive favorite, bridging generations and bringing a touch of classic Hollywood to the modern era.
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