US single release: Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon

John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s single ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ was released in the USA on 1 December 1971.

The single was not a commercial success, and failed to chart. The main factor was the lack of promotion it received, mostly due to it being recorded so late in the year.

It was available on green or black vinyl, and issued as APPLE 1842.

In the United Kingdom a dispute over Yoko Ono’s contribution to the songwriting meant its release was delayed until 24 November 1972. It was eventually issued as Apple R 5870, and peaked at number four on the singles chart.

The song was reissued in the UK following Lennon’s death in 1980, and reached number two. It also charted on the following two years, and occasionally in subsequent years.