The Story Behind "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"

[Mandolin Picker]

Tis the season, and we just came across the story behind the song "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". Talks a lot about how songs become hits back in the 70-80s.

 

My favorite line in the article;

"...every record company he’d queried had mailed back his letter with the same message: "Stop sending us this crap." With his crap now smelling like gingerbread, Dr. Elmo flew to L.A. and signed a deal with Columbia Records. "

 

He also thinks that such a song would never be a hit today due to the advent of streaming music. As people tailor their music to just what they want to hear, they are never exposed to other music, either for good or bad.

 

Full article at http://www.mentalfloss.com/article/89570/how-grandma-got-run-over-reindeer-became-holiday-staple

 

 

[video=youtube;MgIwLeASnkw]

 

[MikeRivers]

The original relase, recorded by my friend and mentor Mike Cogan at Bay Records

 

[Anderton]

I notice the record company address is Fayetteville, TN - well, well, well!

 

I read the article - great stuff. Thanks for the link! Makes me want to dig out my copy of "Bummed Out Christmas." IIRC the first cut is "Christmas in Jail."

[MikeRivers]

I notice the record company address is Fayetteville, TN - well, well, well!

 

I read the article - great stuff. Thanks for the link! Makes me want to dig out my copy of "Bummed Out Christmas." IIRC the first cut is "Christmas in Jail."

 

If I remember correctly, Kim of Kim-Pat Ent. is Patsy's father, who fronted the first pressing.