December 1971: Cheech and Chong Bring Christmas to the Barrio with "Santa Claus and His Old Lady"

Comedy team Cheech and Chong, (L-R : Tommy Chong and Richard Cheech Marin)pose in their dressing room at Doug Weston's Troubadour on September 16, 1971 in Los Angeles (now West Hollywood), California. (Photo by Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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(Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

In the summer of 1971, stoner comedy duo Cheech and Chong debuted with a self-titled album produced by L.A. legend Lou Adler. A breakout hit, the album would go on to crash the charts, peaking at #28 on the Billboard 200.

With a wealth of material at their disposal, the pair gave fans a little holiday present in the form of standalone single, "Santa Claus and His Old Lady." The famous routine finds Cheech explaining the story of Santa Claus to Chong, who's not familiar with him because "I'm from Pittsburgh. I don't know too many local dudes."

Cheech's tall tale plants Santa and Mrs. Claus in the barrio, making weed brownies for the neighbors before getting kicked out for having a band of midgets living with them. You get the idea.

The skit was a hit, reaching #4 on the 1971 Billboard Christmas chart. The track was so popular that it would reach #3 on the same holiday chart for the years 1972 and 1973. On the B-side: Cheech and Chong's famous "Dave" routine.

Give "Santa Claus and His Old Lady" a spin below and experience a classic '70s Christmas tradition.

 

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