Who Sings the Theme Song for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you may have found yourself humming along to its catchy theme song. But do you know who sings it? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the song and the artist behind it.

The Origins of the Theme Song

The theme song for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is called “Christmas Vacation” and was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Mann and Weil are a husband-and-wife songwriting duo who have written numerous hits, including “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” and “On Broadway.”

The Recording Artist

The version of “Christmas Vacation” that appears in the movie is performed by Mavis Staples. Staples is a legendary soul and gospel singer who first rose to fame as part of The Staple Singers, a family group that had hits in the 1960s and ’70s with songs like “I’ll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself.”

Why Mavis Staples?

Director Jeremiah S. Chechik knew he wanted a gospel singer to perform “Christmas Vacation” because he felt it would add an extra layer of emotion to the scene where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) finally gets his house lights to work. Chechik approached Staples because he had been a fan of The Staple Singers since childhood.

The Legacy of the Song

While “Christmas Vacation” wasn’t originally released as a single, it has become a holiday classic in its own right thanks to its inclusion in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Today, you can hear it on various radio stations during the holiday season, as well as on streaming services like Spotify.

  • Fun Fact: Mavis Staples also appears in the movie as herself, performing at an event attended by Clark and his family.
  • Another Fun Fact: “Christmas Vacation” wasn’t Mavis Staples’ first foray into movie soundtracks – she also performed “The Weight” for Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz in 1978.

In Conclusion

So there you have it – the story behind the theme song for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and the artist who brought it to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or just appreciate some good holiday music, “Christmas Vacation” is sure to get stuck in your head for days (but in a good way).