Introduction
Do you love the movie Christmas Vacation as much as we do? If so, you have probably heard the iconic Hawaiian Christmas song “Mele Kalikimaka” that plays during the film’s opening credits and later in a memorable scene featuring the Griswold family’s disastrous outdoor decorations. But do you know who sings it? Despite its widespread popularity, many people are unaware of the origins of this beloved holiday tune. In this article, we will explore the mystery and uncover the identity of the singer behind “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation.
Unwrapping the Mystery: Discovering the Voice Behind “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation
It’s not just a matter of curiosity to know who sings the song in the movie. Understanding the song’s history and who sings it can deepen our appreciation for both the music and the film.
First, let’s start with some background information. “Mele Kalikimaka” is a Hawaiian Christmas song that was written in 1949 by Robert Alex Anderson. The title translates to “Merry Christmas” in the Hawaiian language. It’s a catchy tune that mixes Hawaiian and American Christmas traditions, making it an instant classic.
Now let’s take a closer look at the scene in Christmas Vacation where the song appears. In the film, the Griswold family decides to go big with their outdoor Christmas decorations, resulting in a dazzling light show that causes a city-wide power outage. In one of the film’s funniest scenes, we see Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) dancing joyfully to “Mele Kalikimaka” while tangled in his Christmas lights. It’s a classic moment that wouldn’t be the same without that memorable song playing in the background.
The Holiday Hit You Didn’t Know You Knew: The Story Behind the Singer of “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation
As it turns out, the version of “Mele Kalikimaka” that appears in Christmas Vacation is not the original recording. The song was first made famous by Bing Crosby, who recorded it in 1950 and incorporated it into his holiday show. Crosby’s version features a full orchestra and chorus and has become a holiday classic in its own right.
The version used in Christmas Vacation is actually a cover recorded by the Hawaiian musician and singer, Jimmy Buffett. It’s a more upbeat and contemporary take on the classic song that fits perfectly with the film’s irreverent tone. Buffett is known for blending traditional Hawaiian music with country and rock influences, and “Mele Kalikimaka” is a perfect example of this fusion.
Buffett’s version was recorded specifically for the movie and features backing vocals from the Coral Reefer Band, his longtime bandmates. It’s a fun and catchy version that perfectly captures the spirit of the Griswold family’s holiday celebrations.
Jingle All the Way to the Answer: Finding Out Who Sings “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation
Now that we know it’s Jimmy Buffett’s cover we’re hearing, how was the singer’s identity uncovered? According to the film’s director, Jeremiah S. Chechik, the decision to use Buffett’s version of “Mele Kalikimaka” was made after he heard it at a party. On the spot, he decided that it was the perfect fit for the movie.
It wasn’t until recently that the public learned that it was Buffett’s voice behind the Christmas Vacation version of the song. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Buffett revealed that he had been asked to record the cover by the film’s music supervisor, Jay Weigel. The producer, Matt Wallace, mixed the track and added additional instrumentation to create the final version heard in the movie.
Christmas Vacation’s Musical Mystery: Solving the Identity of the Singer of “Mele Kalikimaka”
There you have it! The singer behind “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation is none other than Jimmy Buffett. The song has become a holiday classic in its own right, thanks in part to its inclusion in the beloved film. For many people, hearing Buffett’s version of the song is now inseparable from the image of Clark Griswold and his family’s misadventures.
It’s hard to believe that over thirty years have passed since the release of Christmas Vacation, yet the movie’s popularity has only grown over the years. The film’s use of “Mele Kalikimaka” is just one example of how its music has helped to create an enduring holiday classic that continues to capture the hearts of audiences year after year.
The Ultimate Guide to “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation: Everything You Need to Know About the Song and Its Singer
If you’re interested in learning more about “Mele Kalikimaka” and its history, here’s a quick recap:
- The song was written by Robert Alex Anderson in 1949
- Bing Crosby recorded a version of the song in 1950 that has become a popular holiday classic
- Jimmy Buffett’s cover of the song appears in Christmas Vacation and features backing vocals from the Coral Reefer Band
- The final version heard in the movie was mixed by producer Matt Wallace
The song’s catchy melody and lyrics have helped to make it a favorite of many people, whether they have seen Christmas Vacation or not. Its Hawaiian influence adds an exotic touch to the traditional holiday music repertoire, making it a unique addition to any holiday playlist.
Behind the Scenes of the Holiday Classic: The Untold Story of the Singer of “Mele Kalikimaka” in Christmas Vacation
To truly appreciate the enduring popularity of “Mele Kalikimaka,” it’s worth looking at the singer’s career and legacy. Jimmy Buffett is a legend in the music industry, known for his unique blend of Hawaiian and country music influences. His music is fun, upbeat, and perfect for summertime relaxation.
Buffett’s cover of “Mele Kalikimaka” is just one part of his impressive discography, which includes hit songs like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Volcano.” He has sold more than 20 million records and has a devoted following of fans, who call themselves “Parrotheads.”
The enduring popularity of Christmas Vacation and its use of “Mele Kalikimaka” has only served to introduce Buffett’s music to a new generation of fans. The movie is now considered a holiday classic, and its music has played a major role in its continued relevance and popularity.
Conclusion
Understanding the origins of the songs we love can deepen our appreciation for them. The story of “Mele Kalikimaka” and its use in Christmas Vacation is just one example of how a catchy tune can become so deeply embedded in our memories and culture.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the holiday classic “Mele Kalikimaka” and its singer. We invite you to share your own experiences with Christmas Vacation and its music in the comments below.
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