Dominick The Italian Christmas Donkey

According to Wikipedia, the Italian Christmas Donkey song wasn’t that popular when it was first released in 1960, although it was well-known in Italian households. Well, that all depends on where you were from. It was pretty well-known and popular in the Northern New Jersey area in the 60s. Everybody knew it, Italian or not.

Lou Monte was already well-known for his radio show and performances around the New Jersey area. Then he became a nationwide sensation with his song about the cha-cha dancing, cheese-stealing, wine-guzzling Pepino, the Italian Mouse.

Another popular song by Lou Monte was Lazy Mary. But, if you are looking for the version with the risque lyrics, listen to Louis Prima’s version.

And speaking of Louis Prima, he has the first tune on this collection of vintage Christmas songs from the 30s & 40s “that are not too overplayed.”