“More Than Santa Baby,” a multi-layered story of Philip Springer’s vast musical legacy and a loving tribute by his filmmaker daughter Tamar Springer, took home the Audience Award for Documentary Short at the 28th Dances With Films on Sunday, June 29th, at the TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood.
It’s an intimate look at the famed composer’s lifelong journey—from his start as a young man in 1940s Tin Pan Alley to 1970s Hollywood, and through his most successful decade when he reached his 90s.
Originally composed for Eartha Kitt, “Santa Baby” became a global holiday classic, recorded by many iconic artists including Alicia Keys, Cher, Gwen Stefani, Laufey, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Frankie Avalon, and Ann-Margret. Springer also wrote with award-winning lyricists including E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, Fred Ebb, Carolyn Leigh, and Joan Javits. In addition to his top hit for Eartha Kitt, he also wrote for such famed performers as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Judy Garland, and others.
“It was an honor to showcase the world premiere of a heartfelt documentary that tells the little-known story of a man with an incredible music career who created a song that has become a holiday classic,” said Jackie Tepper, Producing Partner and Documentary Programming Chair with the Dances With Films Film Festival.
“Everyone knows the hit songs, but we often don’t know the stories behind these unsung heroes. At 99 years young, Philip Springer is still an inspiration,” said Tepper.
“I have long believed that my father’s music—beyond his worldwide classic Christmas song—is much deserving of recognition,” said Springer. “His story is adorned with legendary artists of the Golden Era and is one of perseverance, hope, and resilience. He is still composing, and he just turned 99!”
Springer calls himself “a living relic of the golden age of American song” and still laments the loss of the famed Brill Building at 49th and Broadway in New York City, where he spent the most productive time of his life. His greatest regret is that he never had a show produced on Broadway. But he told his daughter that his music will be his legacy—to her and to the world. With songs like “Heartbroken,” “The Next Time,” “Moonlight Gambler,” “How Little It Matters, How Little We Know,” “Santa Baby,” and the beautiful paean to music “Did You Know the World Is Beautiful?” the world will never forget the contributions he made to songwriting over the past eight decades.
Tamar Springer is the longtime manager and archivist of the music catalogue of “Santa Baby” composer Philip Springer, her father. She is an accomplished producer, including the award-winning CD/book The Last Legacy of E.Y. Harburg, several CDs featuring her father’s music, musical productions, and a single of “Santa Baby” recorded with Eartha Kitt—with her father on the piano. Tamar is a voting member of the Recording Academy. “More Than Santa Baby,” a true passion project, is Tamar’s first film.
