Ignored             Obscured              Restored

“Just Because” is a song first recorded by Nelstone’s Hawaiians in 1929.  A few years later, in 1933, it was recorded by The Shelton Brothers.  While the songwriting credit is officially attributed to Sydney Robin and Joe and Bob Shelton, some believe Robin wrote the song alone, with the Sheltons later claiming credit after their recording gained attention.

Regardless of its authorship, the song holds a seminal place in rock and roll history.  It was recorded at Sun Studios in 1954 but remained unreleased until Elvis Presley included it on his debut RCA album in 1956.

Further cementing its legacy, “Just Because” has been covered by an eclectic mix of artists: twangy guitar maestro Duane Eddy (who passed away in 2024), skiffle enthusiast Paul McCartney, blues devotee Jorma Kaukonen, and rockabilly preservationist Brian Setzer.  An especially unique rendition appears on the album Beauty and the Beard (1964), a collaboration between the unlikely duo of the sexy Ann-Margret and New Orleans clarinetist Al Hirt.

Though not a holiday song, the lyrics contain a whimsical twist: the woman being sung to refers to the singer as “Santa Claus.” It’s a humorous and fitting way to close out the year.

Enjoy… until next week.