Nobody thought too much of it when old Dexbert recorded this festive contribution in 1935. Record company wisdom had it that lynching songs were on their way out and guitar bands were coming in. So everyone was surprised when it became a huge "word of mouth" hit all over the southern states and not just in Alabama. The new power of radio was one reason. Housewives across America were soon humming the refrain while they polished their husband's saddles: I'm gonna catch me a nigger for Christmas, I'm gonna put him in my tree.