“Little Altar Boy” was written in 1961 and first recorded that year by vocalist Vic Dana for his album This Is Vic Dana. Released as a single, it reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In an introspective moment, Dana performs this quiet song in the 1962 musical-comedy film Don’t Knock the Twist.
The single was released on the Dolton label, making its debut on December 27, 1961 and stayed on the Billboard charts for 8 weeks. Little Altar Boy was re-released on December 17, 1965, having peaked #13 and stayed on Billboard that year for three weeks.
The song was also recorded by Andy Williams on his 1965 album Merry Christmas, by Glen Campbell on his 1968 album That Christmas Feeling, and by Jack Jones on his 1969 album A Jack Jones Christmas.
_______________
Sources: Wikipedia; Billboard’s Christmas in the Charts 1920-2004
For previous Holiday Yule Tides Countdown record #03 GO HERE