Video: 'HAPPY XMAS (War Is Over) (New Alt Acoustic Mix 2018) JOHN & YOKO, Plastic Ono Band (music video HD)'

(Thursday, October 28, 1971, evening EDT) — Former Beatle John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, recorded seven takes of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” tonight in Studio A at Record Plant in New York City.

Four of the seven takes were complete, with take 6 considered the master. After the session musicians laid down the basic instrumental backing and overdub tracks, Lennon and Ono added the main vocals.

Video: 'Happy Xmas (demo), xmas ditty'

The track would be completed on Oct. 31, 1971, with overdubs by the 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.