Lee Taylor Reimagines Santa Claus as a Soulful Symbol of Generosity on New Single “St. Nick at Christmastime”
Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
OUT ON NOVEMBER 6
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Lee Taylor puts a soulful spin on the story of Santa Claus with “St. Nick at Christmastime,” a new single arriving November 6, 2026. All streaming proceeds from the release will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“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.
“boisterous vocal chops and spot-on charisma,” – Glide
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.”
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. Taylor also brought together a standout group of New York musicians for the session, including saxophonist Mike Buckley, who is currently touring with JAY-Z, and guitarist Alexander Chakour. Chakour has performed and recorded with artists including Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Antibalas, Eric Krasno, and Brittany Howard, and his work has contributed to songs that have collectively amassed more than 11 million Spotify streams.
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.
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.
About Lee Taylor:
Lee Taylor is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and artist whose sound draws on blues, jazz, and soul. Raised in the South, Taylor began teaching private music lessons at thirteen and was singing in local clubs as a teenager. In Memphis, they were mentored by blues legend Miss Di Anne Price and Lester Snell, former musical director for Isaac Hayes.
Taylor relocated to New York City in 2015 and has since performed as a soloist at venues including The Blue Note and Lincoln Center, while regularly performing with their jazz band at The Django. Taylor is also a longtime member of the Resistance Revival Chorus, performing with the group at Carnegie Hall and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Taylor’s debut album, Wild Woman, was recorded live at The HiFi Loft in Brooklyn with members of The Dap-Kings and Mark Ronson’s studio band and co-produced by Taylor and Binky Griptite. Their work has earned praise from The Memphis Commercial Appeal, The Canberra Times, and Glide, as well as musicians including Daryl Jones, known for his work with Miles Davis and The Rolling Stones, who praised Taylor’s “distinctive voice” and “heartfelt lyrics.”
Upcoming Live Shows:
MINNEAPOLIS:
December 18th at Bunkers with Alex Rossi. Special Holiday Show
NEW YORK:
October 24th, Django, Tribeca
November 7th, Tusten Jazz Fest, Narrowsburg, NY
November 14th, Django, Tribeca
