“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” is a Holiday favorite, but do you know the history?
The song was written by Randy Brooks in 1977. Brooks played with a band in various nightclubs and often wrote silly songs to make the crowds laugh. When he heard the Merle Haggard song, “Grandma’s Christmas Card”, he decided to try a little dark humor.
“How would a Grandma die at Christmastime? So there was my title line. You know, I thought, get hit by Santa’s sleigh. So, grandma got ran over by a reindeer,” said Brooks (Paul).
The song was preformed by Elmo & Patsy, Elmo Shropshire and Patsy Trig, a husband and wife group. They self-released the song in San Francisco in 1979. Within five years the song was a top hit and being played on the radio everywhere.
Mr. Brooks wrote the song but he does not own it. And while he maybe known as a ‘one hit wonder’, the song ended up making him a lot of money. “It’s paid the college tuition for my two kids,’ said Brooks, a man much in demand for shows at clubs, nursing homes and parties in December” (Richter).
So I ask you, Did Grandma get ran over by a reindeer? What do you think?
Sources:
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, by Elmo & Patsy”.
Paul, J. (2015). “The Story Behind, ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”.
Richter, M. (2015). ‘Grandma Got Run Over’ Catchy Tune Was No Reindeer Game for Writer”.
This blog-post was written by the Teen Department “Grandma”, Miss Shirley. Be sure to drop by The Edge to visit with her soon!
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