Every December, “Santa Baby” returns as one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time. First recorded by Eartha Kitt in 1953, the cheeky holiday tune has since been covered by stars including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Kylie Minogue, Michael Bublé, and Gwen Stefani. Its sly humor and playful sensuality have cemented it as a seasonal standard. But behind the timeless lyrics was a woman whose name has too often been overlooked: Joan Javits, the original creator of Santa Baby.
The witty words were Javits’s signature — clever, daring, and unapologetically playful. Long before women’s voices were commonplace in popular music, she gave Eartha Kitt a song that was risqué, satirical, and cutting-edge for the conservative 1950s. What began as a late-night commission became a cultural phenomenon that reemerges on charts and merchandise every holiday season.
“People know the song, but they don’t know the woman who dreamed it up,” says her daughter, Eloise. “My mother created something so original that it’s become part of the fabric of Christmas itself. Every time someone sings it, they’re echoing her wit and imagination.”
The cultural reach of Santa Baby is extraordinary:
- Celebrity Covers – Recorded by Madonna, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, Kylie Minogue, and more.
- Merchandise & Media – The phrase “Santa Baby” now appears on holiday cards, sweaters, and decorations worldwide.
- Streaming Success – Each December, it climbs back up holiday playlists and charts.
- Eartha Kitt’s Signature – Though Eartha Kitt had a long and storied career, Santa Baby remains her most iconic recording.
But Joan Javits’s contributions go beyond Santa Baby. She co-wrote Lovin’ Spree (also recorded by Eartha Kitt), penned the witty novelty hit Crazy Mixed-Up Song, was lyricist for the Broadway production Young Abe Lincoln, collaborated with country legend Marty Robbins and songwriter Steve Nelson (Frosty the Snowman), and developed the ambitious Broadway musical Solomon and She, featured in The New York Times with Metropolitan Opera star George London.
At 97, Joan Javits is finally being celebrated not only as the creator of Santa Baby but also as one of the trailblazing women of the Brill Building era — a pioneer who brought wit, cheek, and daring into American pop culture.
About Joan Javits
Joan Javits is a lyricist, playwright, and songwriter best known as the creator of the lyrics to Santa Baby. Born in New York City, she was one of the earliest women to break into the Brill Building songwriting scene. Her works include Santa Baby, Lovin’ Spree, Crazy Mixed-Up Song, Young Abe Lincoln, and the Broadway-bound Solomon and She. She is the niece of U.S. Senator Jacob K. Javits and remains a celebrated voice in American popular music.
