John Lennon’s ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ released in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 6 1971)


Video: 'HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER). (Ultimate Mix, 2020) John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band + Harlem Community Choir'

(Monday, December 6, 1971) — “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir was released today as a single in the U.S. (it would not be released a single in the UK until Nov. 24, 1972).


Video: 'HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER). (Ultimate Mix, 2020) John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band + Harlem Community Choir'

Originally intended as a protest song against the Vietnam War, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” has since become a Christmas standard, frequently recorded by other artists, appearing on compilation albums of seasonal music, and named in polls as a holiday favorite.


Video: 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)'

While released too late to appear on Billboard‘s Hot 100 in the U.S. before Christmas 1971, it did finally enter the singles pop chart in December 2018, peaking at #42.