Grateful Dead Share ‘Run Run Rudolph’

In December of 1971, the Grateful Dead unveiled their take on the holiday classic “Run Run Rudolph” and played the tune a half dozen times. The band has shared a previously unreleased version of “Run Run Rudolph” as part of the new Rhino Records compilation Gift Wrapped 3: A Holiday Smörgåsbord.

The take on “Run Run Rudolph” found below was recorded at Madison Square Garden’s Felt Forum in New York City on December 7, 1971. Ron “Pigpen” McKernan handles lead vocals, as he did for all of the Grateful Dead’s versions of “Run Run Rudolph.” Listen:

Gift Wrapped 3: A Holiday Smörgåsbord also features holiday-themed tracks from Donny Hathaway, Ramones, Los Lobos, Chicago and more.