American Country Network Premieres “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy”
Christmas is getting a little Bakersfield flavor this year as country artist Johnny Owens releases his version of the holiday favorite “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy,” a song originally written and recorded by his legendary father, Buck Owens, and longtime guitarist Don Rich in 1965.
The playful Christmas classic tells the story of a young child sneaking downstairs on Christmas Eve, only to discover that Santa Claus looks suspiciously familiar. The original recording became a holiday favorite, climbing to No. 2 on Billboard’s Christmas singles chart and earning a lasting place in the Buck Owens catalog.
Now, two decades after his father’s passing, Johnny Owens is giving the song new life while preserving the unmistakable Bakersfield Sound that helped define a generation of country music.
“I’m excited to release my version of ‘Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy,’” says Owens. “It’s always been a special song to me, not only because my dad wrote and recorded it, but because it’s become such a fun part of his Christmas legacy.”
For Johnny, the recording is more than a seasonal release. It is another chapter in his ongoing tribute to his father’s remarkable musical legacy.
The new single follows his recent recordings of “Act Naturally” and “Together Again,” two Buck Owens classics that continue to resonate with country music fans. All three recordings are part of a forthcoming 10-track tribute album celebrating the songs and influence of one of country music’s most important pioneers.
Johnny is also keeping the Bakersfield tradition alive onstage through his “Johnny Owens and the Bakersfield Sound” tour, with performances scheduled into 2027. The show celebrates the music of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and the distinctive California country sound that helped reshape the genre.
With its familiar melody, playful story, and unmistakable family connection, “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” offers longtime fans a nostalgic Christmas treat while introducing a new generation to the Owens family’s musical heritage.
“Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” is available now on major streaming platforms.
