"Linus and Lucy" is a popular instrumental jazz standard written by American jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. It serves as the main theme tune for the many Peanuts animated specials and is named for the two fictional siblings Linus and Lucy Van Pelt. The jazz standard was originally released on Guaraldi's album Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown in 1964, but it gained its greatest exposure as part of A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack the following year. It is one of the most recognizable pieces by Guaraldi and has gained status as the signature melody of the Peanuts franchise. It has also become a popular song on radio stations playing Christmas music during the holidays.

The composition "Linus and Lucy" originated from Vince Guaraldi's collaboration with television producer Lee Mendelson during the early development of a Peanuts-themed documentary. Mendelson, captivated by Guaraldi's Grammy-winning jazz single "Cast Your Fate to the Wind," sought a similar musical tone for a planned special on Charles M. Schulz's comic strip. After an introduction facilitated by San Francisco jazz critic Ralph J. Gleason, Guaraldi agreed to compose music for the unaired 1963 documentary A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

According to Mendelson, Guaraldi contacted him by phone shortly after their initial meeting, eager to share a newly written composition. He insisted on playing it over the phone, declaring he could not wait to present it in person. The energetic theme, performed by Guaraldi on solo piano, would later be recognized as "Linus and Lucy." Mendelson reportedly found the piece immediately fitting for Schulz's characters, especially the siblings Linus and Lucy van Pelt, after whom the composition would be named.

Guaraldi first recorded "Linus and Lucy" during two sessions in 1964 at Coast Recorders in San Francisco. These recordings, which also included eight additional pieces, were intended for the soundtrack to the unaired documentary. The pianist was joined by bassist Monty Budwig and drummer Colin Bailey. Although the film never aired, Fantasy Records released the album later that year under the title Jazz Impressions of A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

Musically, "Linus and Lucy" is distinguished by its driving left-hand boogie-woogie ostinato, syncopated melodic lines in the right hand, and modal harmonic language. The piece quickly became the standout track from the release, and its growing popularity positioned it as a musical emblem of the Peanuts franchise.

In preparation for the 1965 television special A Charlie Brown Christmas, Guaraldi re-recorded "Linus and Lucy" with a different rhythm section that featured Fred Marshall on bass and Jerry Granelli on drums. This session, held at Whitney Studio in Glendale, California, produced a sharper and more percussive arrangement with a quicker tempo and a stronger rhythmic attack. The version is featured prominently during the special's now-iconic dance sequence, where the Peanuts characters perform solo dance routines on stage. The bridge section of the composition underscores the moment when Snoopy jumps onto Schroeder's piano, adding syncopated intensity to the scene.

While the televised version differs slightly in tone and performance, the original 1964 trio version remains the most widely released and recognized recording, featured on multiple compilation albums and included on the soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas.

A new arrangement was recorded in October 1966 for the Halloween special It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This version was taped at Desilu Studios in Hollywood and featured an expanded ensemble including Emmanuel Klein (trumpet), John Gray (guitar), and Ronald Lang (woodwinds), in addition to Guaraldi's rhythm section. The session was conducted by John Scott Trotter.