St. Nick at Christmastime
The new Christmas soul single from Lee Taylor.
Every stream gives to St. Jude.
“St. Nick at Christmastime” draws inspiration from the story of St. Nicholas of Myra, the fourth-century bishop whose legacy became associated with generosity and secret acts of giving.
Over time, those traditions evolved into the Santa Claus we know today. For Taylor, that spirit became the starting point for a love song about a person who gives freely, takes care of others, and asks for nothing in return.
Musically, the song draws from the warmth and intimacy of classic ’60s and ’70s soul. Co-produced by Taylor and Grammy-nominated producer Vincent Chiarito, whose credits include Jalen Ngonda, Kali Uchis, Black Pumas, Say She She, and Ikebe Shakedown, the track was recorded at Chiarito’s V&M Recording in Brooklyn using an analog approach.
The release is part of Taylor’s ongoing fundraising efforts with Team Strong as Gold, which raised more than $35,000 last year. This year’s fundraising campaign runs through December 5, the day of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon.
“St. Nick at Christmastime” also offers a preview of Taylor’s forthcoming jazz album, “Joy in an Ugly World”, scheduled for release in spring 2027.
On set for the “St. Nick at Christmastime” video. Photos by Ikenna.
Over the course of their career, Taylor has earned praise for a voice that can move comfortably between soul, blues, jazz, and pop while maintaining a character distinctly their own. The Memphis Commercial Appeal wrote that Taylor’s “uncommon voice evoked something of Bessie Smith or Billie Holiday,” while noting that they brought “what was very much their own mesmerizing take” to the music. The Canberra Times described Taylor’s voice as one that could “cut diamonds.” Glide, meanwhile, noted the “nostalgic big ’70s soul vibe” of Taylor’s music. Legendary Stax soul singer William Bell has also praised Taylor’s work for its “Excellent vocals, musicianship and arrangements!” and called Taylor “a voice to watch.”
The song’s commitment to generosity extends beyond its lyrics. Taylor will donate all streaming proceeds from “St. Nick at Christmastime” to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting the hospital’s mission to advance cures and prevent catastrophic diseases affecting children. Taylor will publicly document the donation by sharing a photograph of the royalty check and the donation itself, giving listeners the opportunity to see exactly where the song’s proceeds are going.
Taylor invites the listener to view Santa Claus through a fresh lens, not simply as a mythical gift giver, but as an ideal partner who is generous, faithful, and more interested in what they give than what they take.
“We often venerate men who have everything and give nothing back,” says Taylor. “This song is for the people who are quietly taking care of society’s most vulnerable. That is who deserves to be celebrated.”