Forget Hannah Montana, the Beatles, Jay-Z and all those other “rock stars” in between.

When it all comes down to it this time of the year we all know who reigns supreme. No, he doesn’t have a guitar, a song on top of the charts nor does he go on months long tours in a bus.

Instead he has eight reindeer, a sleigh and his tour lasts only one night and it’s world-wide. He’s been around longer than any of the Rolling Stones and has 10 times as many fans.

Santa Claus is the original rock star.

Any good episode of “Behind the Music” or “True Hollywood Story” will show you there is a formula to becoming a rock star. Factors like the look, entourage and the battle with vices all come into play. And don’t be fooled as the Jolly Old Elf is no different.

Santa’s humble beginnings are shrouded in mystery as it’s said from various sources he’s from several different countries, and may have been a bishop at one time or even a saint.

It seems Santa also began his career under assumed names like Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas and for the Dutch, Sinterklaas.

Unlike some rock stars in the past, Santa’s aliases have only added to his popularity.

While Santa’s beginnings are uncertain, his look, though it has varied throughout the years, has always remained true.

Santa Claus has that tailored, signature look every rock star has. Guarantee he’s not sporting a Mohawk or big hair, like Johnny Cash to an all black outfit and Steven Tyler to bell bottoms, Santa is to the red and white suit.

That white beard is as curly as it can be and a cap hides and keeps warm that balding head. Of course then there’s the gift sack always flung over his shoulder…the only “manny pack” worth any one’s time.

Keeping up with trends, Santa has his entourage. Nope, no agents, managers, roadies of the sort; instead elves, reindeer and the woman behind everything, Mrs. Claus.

Obviously, Santa would not be a rock star without extravagancies. It is unknown just how many sleighs are owned by Santa, but one can safely assume since he runs own business there are plenty.

Then there is the massive toy shop where production is non-stop all year long.

As for Santa’s home, it’s know to be a quaint, modest cabin just big enough for him and his wife, who probably has a large kitchen to bake cookies by the hundreds and to keep milk on tap.

Santa, like any other rock star, does have a vice: cookies. It’s an addiction not worth a stint in rehab, but definitely a dependence worthy enough to point out.

His fans don’t help the matter as they leave these sweet treats when he visits their home each Christmas while on his world tour.

And then there are the fans, not thousands nor millions, but billions of them. The sheer sight of Santa Claus makes children (his biggest fan base) weak in the knees; moms smile with admiration and dads want to be just like him.

The reactions vary from child to child as some cry or simply go quiet, but in the end they all want that photo with Santa, a keepsake that will yellow and curl in photo albums years down the road.

Despite the fact Santa has never penned a song; his one on one interaction with his fans can never be beat. What other rock star gives presents to their fans?

Yes, Santa Claus, the ultimate, innovative rock star that’s beyond comparison.

Amanda VanDerBroek is a Staff Writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. For comments and column suggestions email: amanda.vanderbroek@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7209.