Santa Baby was written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, who later called it one of his weakest works. The duo was commissioned to write a Christmas song for the upcoming Eartha Kitt holiday special.
Kitt recorded the song in 1953. According to Billboard, the song was the best selling Christmas song of 1953. Much of this can be contributed to the controversy around the song.
The lyrics were deemed too suggestive when released and banned in some places, especially in the south.
The songwriting duo reworked the song and Kitt released an updated version in 1954 as “This Year’s Santa Baby”.
The song has been parodied many times and performed by numerous artists.
Rob LeDonne from Billboard called “Santa Baby” one of the “most recognizable non-traditional yuletide recordings” in a piece commemorating its 65th anniversary.