Young Choir Singers Made History 60 Years Ago in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
In 1965, a group of young choir singers made history during the recording of the iconic song “Christmas Time Is Here” for the animated special, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This significant moment took place in San Rafael, California, where 11-year-old Dave Willat and his choir were unexpectedly whisked away to a studio in San Francisco.
Young Choir Singers Discover Their Place in History
On a warm September evening, Willat attended what he believed would be a routine choir rehearsal. Instead, he and his fellow choristers were handed the lyrics to a new song destined to become a Christmas classic. The song was composed by Vince Guaraldi and features on the soundtrack of the beloved 1965 Peanuts special.
A Memorable Recording Session
The recording session was anything but ordinary. Initially, Guaraldi intended to keep “Christmas Time Is Here” as an instrumental track. However, producer Lee Mendelson altered the course of history by hastily jotting down lyrics he felt conveyed the essence of the season.
- Guaraldi’s vision turned into an enduring holiday favorite.
- The soundtrack remains one of the best-selling holiday and jazz albums.
- The children initially struggled during recording, with several flubs and pauses evident in rehearsal outtakes.
- Multiple recording sessions included laughter and youthful mischief, revealing the singers’ comfort with the process.
A Joyful Experience with Lasting Impact
The young performers were treated well during this unforgettable experience. Guaraldi, known for his easy-going nature, formed bonds with the children, sharing lighthearted moments between takes. After the first session, the excited group returned home with ice cream and $5 each, but not without causing some panic among their parents, who had been left in the dark.
Due to concerns over the late return and necessary permissions, the first recording was discarded, leading to additional sessions for the choir. Ultimately, their hard work paid off in the form of one of the most cherished Christmas songs.
Reflections after 60 Years
Now in his 70s, Willat reminisces about his impactful childhood experience. Although he has sung little since then, a recent reunion with original choir members ignited a desire to return to music. This nostalgic gathering at the Charles M. Schulz Museum reminded him of the joy and camaraderie shared during the memorable 1965 recording sessions.
The story of A Charlie Brown Christmas and its heartfelt music serves as a testament to the magic of childhood and the significance of collaboration in creating timeless art.
