The Joys of Harry Christmas

Harold Nolan Donovan was born on Christmas Day 1926 in New York City's Hell's Kitchen, the fifth of seven children, to his parents, Aidan and Molly Donovan. In order to gain attention in such a large family, from a young age Harry would stage impromptu performances featuring the latest show tunes and comedy routines. His apptitude in these areas resulted in his winning numerous regional talent shows as he became well-known as "The Kid Bandleader" of his high school's Nighthawk Orchestra.

When the USA entered the war in 1941, Harry's attempts to enlist at the age of 17 were thwarted when he tested 4-F. Seeing this as a sign, he packed his bags and moved to Hollywood. His big break came in 1952 when he was cast as Santa Claus in the "My Friend Irma" Christmas special. The performance was so captivating that he became a regular on holiday programming over the next decade and a half, which earned him the nickname "Harry Christmas". The peak of his popularity occurred with his appearance as Santa Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade for eight straight years.

Unfortunately, Harry did not handle the times as they changed in the late-1960s, and he began a well-documented decline due to his struggles with substance abuse. By the late-1970s, he legacy was severely tarnished and he was all but forgotten.

It was in December of 1992, while playing the part of a simple Santa Claus for the children of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, that famed record producer, Andy Bartok, re-discovered Harry Christmas. Upon seeing a cleaned-up and rejuvenated Harry Christmas doing what he did best, he quickly arranged a recording session which resulted in the hits the world around sings along with to this day. Enjoy!