It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown Soundtrack First-Ever Full Release

It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, the Peanuts gang is gearing up for Easter, and so is Vince Guaraldi’s timeless jazz, now available in its full glory for the first time! I was blown away by the album’s quality and originality. While this Peanuts special may not be as iconic as the first two, its music packs a punch with a vibrant, groovy sound that hits you right in the soul. Spring is a season of renewal—a time to welcome fresh beginnings and joyful celebrations. And what better way to embrace that spirit than with music? Vince Guaraldi’s music is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, bringing its signature charm and energy back into the spotlight.

As Linus would eagerly tell you (much to Lucy’s frustration), Easter isn’t just about chocolate bunnies and jellybeans—it’s about the spirit of the Easter Beagle! Sure, Sally may remain skeptical after last year’s egg-citing letdown, and Marcie’s attempts at boiling eggs might still end with a pan full of yolky disaster, but nothing can stop the Peanuts gang from getting into the Easter spirit. Even Snoopy has a little making up to do after serving up a less-than-traditional Thanksgiving dinner of popcorn, toast, and jellybeans.

Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) is thrilled to announce the first-ever release of the full It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown soundtrack, featuring the beloved music of Vince Guaraldi. Originally airing on April 9, 1974, this was the 12th Peanuts animated special, brought to life by creator Charles Schulz, director Phil Roman, and producers Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson. Nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program, this classic continues to delight fans and is currently available to stream on Apple TV+.

Musical highlights of the album include:
🎶 Easter Theme – A charming introduction to the special’s springtime cheer.
🎶 Woodstock’s Dream – A centerpiece of the soundtrack, blending jazz and pop into a whimsical daydream.
🎶 Linus and Lucy – The quintessential Peanuts theme gets a fresh spin!
🎶 Peppermint Patty – A playful, swinging number fitting for everyone’s favorite tomboy.
🎶 Snoopy and Woodstock – A groovy groove for the best beagle-bird friendship ever.
🎶 Marcie’s Song and Easter Egg Soup – Delightfully offbeat and irresistibly fun.
🎶 Woodstock’s Pad – A tune as cozy as a nest lined with soft, shaggy carpet.
🎶 Classical treats! Bach’s Piano Sonata No. 3 and selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 get the Guaraldi jazz treatment.

For decades, fans have cherished Guaraldi’s music, but much of it was hidden beneath dialogue and sound effects in the special. Now, for the first time, the full score can be heard in all its glory. The album includes 25 original cues mixed into 19 tracks, most of which are being released for the very first time. Plus, there’s a special bonus track: Woodstock Medley! Recorded in 2021, this fresh take unites Guaraldi’s original sidemen—Mike Clark (drums) and Seward McCain (bass)—with Grammy-nominated jazz pianist David Benoit. They returned to the same San Francisco studio where the original sessions took place 50 years ago, creating a new rendition of classic Peanuts themes like Thanksgiving Theme, Little Birdie, Woodstock’s Wake-Up, and Woodstock’s Dream.

What’s a Peanuts special without its signature blend of jazz, classical, and whimsical charm? Well, here’s a fun fact that might just swing you into excitement: the lively jig you hear when Snoopy makes his grand entrance as the Easter Beagle is none other than the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major! That’s right—good ol’ Ludwig van B had a little Easter pep in his step, and it makes for the perfect soundtrack to Snoopy’s egg-delivering extravaganza.

As Sally grows increasingly impatient, tapping her foot and giving Linus the side-eye while waiting for the Easter Beagle to arrive, the mood shifts to a more dramatic, almost brooding tone. That’s because the second movement of the very same symphony—the hauntingly beautiful Allegretto—takes over, underscoring her frustration with an air of classical elegance. Beethoven certainly knew how to set the mood, even if he never imagined his symphony would one day accompany a cartoon beagle in sunglasses and bunny ears.

This seamless fusion of classical music with Vince Guaraldi’s jazz genius is what makes It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown such a unique and delightful experience. Whether it’s the bouncy excitement of Beethoven’s first movement or the slow-building anticipation of the second, every note adds to the charm of this beloved special.

When we think of Peanuts music, Vince Guaraldi’s name shines brightest, his signature jazz piano forever intertwined with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang. But behind every great musician is a talented ensemble, and while much has been said about Guaraldi himself, the other members of his trio remain somewhat in the shadows.

One such key player is Seward McCain, a San Francisco native and longtime bassist for the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Though he may not have enjoyed the same spotlight as Guaraldi, McCain was an essential part of the Peanuts musical legacy. He wasn’t just a background musician—he performed live, recorded albums, and played a crucial role in shaping the soundtracks that brought Schulz’s animated world to life. His steady, melodic basslines provided the foundation for Guaraldi’s improvisational genius, allowing the music to evolve alongside the specials.

Of course, Linus and Lucy is the iconic track everyone remembers, the quintessential Peanuts theme that instantly conjures images of kids dancing with wild abandon. But the Peanuts specials are filled with a treasure trove of musical gems, with melodies and cues that adapted and expanded as the series progressed. From the whimsical, dreamy sequences in It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown to the bluesy, reflective moments scattered throughout A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and beyond, the Peanuts soundtrack is a playground of evolving jazz.

For the true audiophile, diving into the Peanuts musical universe is a rewarding adventure. Each special offers its distinct sonic flavor, blending Guaraldi’s unmistakable piano with McCain’s rhythmic finesse and the ever-changing textures of the trio’s drummers. Whether it’s a groovy bass riff, a subtle chord progression, or a surprising classical influence, there’s always something new to discover beneath the surface.

Of all the unforgettable musical moments in the Peanuts specials, one theme stands out as the epitome of 1970s swagger: “Snoopy and Woodstock.” This cue is a pure vibe—a funky, laid-back groove that perfectly captures the effortless cool of the world’s most famous beagle and his tiny, feathered sidekick.

Unlike the instantly recognizable Linus and Lucy theme, which bounces with childlike energy, Snoopy and Woodstock lean hard into early ’70s funk, bringing a fresh, hip sound that sets it apart from Guaraldi’s usual jazz stylings. The deep basslines, wah-wah-infused rhythm, and tight, syncopated beats create a sense of motion, making it impossible not to picture Snoopy strutting across the screen, ears bouncing, sunglasses on, completely in control of his world. And Woodstock? He’s right there with him, flapping along, adding his tiny dose of attitude.

There’s a confidence to this theme—an unstoppable energy. Snoopy and Woodstock aren’t worried about missed football kicks or kite-eating trees. They’re out there living their best lives, marching to their beat, unfazed by whatever Charlie Brown’s existential crisis of the day might be. In this musical moment, they own the world.

One of the most exciting aspects of this track is how alive it feels. The band’s chemistry is undeniable—you can almost hear them feeding off each other’s energy as if you’re right there in the studio while they jam. The rhythm section is tight, the melodies flow effortlessly, and there’s a warmth in the recording that makes it feel spontaneous, like pure musical magic unfolding in real-time.

“Woodstock’s Dream’ happens to be one of my favorite Peanuts Guaraldi cues, and it’s the most pervasive theme of this show. It leans into a pop sensibility; with just a few chord changes, he makes a vibrant and memorable melody.”  — From the liner notes by Sean Mendelson, producer of the album.

“Woodstock’s Dream” is one of those tracks that sneaks up on you—a dreamy, floating piece that feels like a whimsical daydream wrapped in jazz. From the moment it begins, there’s an almost hypnotic quality to it, as if we’re soaring through the clouds alongside Woodstock himself, caught somewhere between reality and a mid-afternoon nap in Snoopy’s birdbath. There’s something about the pacing, the smooth yet buoyant feel of the melody, and the way the instrumentation builds that gives its charm. It’s got that effortless sway—the kind of tune that makes you want to close your eyes and get lost in the groove.

And the execution? Flawless. The band is tight, every note locked in perfectly, yet it never feels rigid. It breathes, it moves, and it feels like a living, evolving piece. It’s the kind of cue that works so seamlessly in the background that you almost don’t realize how intricate it is—until you stop and listen.

It’s hard not to wonder what could have been if Vince Guaraldi had stayed with us longer. With each Peanuts special, his sound evolved, embracing new textures, influences, and styles. If this funky masterpiece cue was just one step in his musical journey, imagine where he could have taken it next. Would Peanuts have gone full-on jazz fusion? One can only dream. That feedback fuzz at the end is pure sonic bliss—like a musical exclamation point that sends chills down your spine.

This entire album feels like Vince Guaraldi putting all of his eggs in one basket (pun intended). Every track is layered with care, with just the right balance of whimsy and musicianship. Woodstock’s Dream isn’t just a piece of music—it’s an atmosphere, a vibe, a perfect little jazz reverie. And just like Woodstock himself, it may be small, but it’s got wings.

So next time you put on a Peanuts special, listen a little closer—beyond the piano, beyond the nostalgia. The magic of Peanuts jazz isn’t just about one man; it’s about the trio that helped bring this music to life, one note at a time.

This beautifully restored and re-mastered album brings together Vince Guaraldi (piano, electric piano, clavinet, ARP String Ensemble electric harpsichord, and guitar), Seward McCain (bass), Glenn Cronkhite and Eliot Zigmund (drums), and John Scott Trotter as music supervisor. Produced by Sean Mendelson and Jason Mendelson, mixed by Grammy and Emmy Award-winning engineer Clark Germain, and carefully restored by Vinson Hudson, this release is a must-have for Peanuts fans and jazz lovers alike.

TRACK LISTING
Peppermint Patty
Easter Theme / Easter Theme (Reprise)
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2 No. 3 – I
Allegro con brio
Snoopy and Woodstock
Linus and Lucy
Woodstock’s Dream
Snoopy’s Gumballs / Sally and Linus
Woodstock’s Dream (Reprise)
Marcie’s Song (Kitchen Music)
Linus and Lucy (Reprise)
Woodstock’s Pad
Woodstock’s Dream (2nd Reprise)
Music Box Dance (Minuet in G Major, BWV Anh. 116)
Woodstock’s Dream (3rd Reprise)
Easter Egg Soup (Kitchen Music 2)
Linus and Lucy (2nd Reprise) / Linus and Lucy (3rd Reprise)
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 – II. Allegreto
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 – I. Poco sostenuto – Vivace
Salting Eggs / Linus and Lucy (4th Reprise)
Woodstock Medley (Woodstock’s Wake-Up / Little Birdie / Woodstock’s Dream /
Thanksgiving Theme / Little Birdie (Reprise))

Available March 21, 2025!
Pre-order your copy now on black vinyl (12” BioVinyl), CD, and digital formats—because nothing says Easter like the sweet sound of Peanuts jazz filling the air!