Jimmy Buffett Performs “Mele Kalikimaka,” Which He Recorded In 1996 & 2016
Jimmy Buffett / Facebook, Nick Helm / YouTube
We are remembering the legacy of Jimmy Buffet with his laid back rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka.”
There’s a few things that will get us into the Christmas spirit. One of those things are classic Bing Crosby Christmas songs. Of course there’s “White Christmas” and “Silent Night,” but one of our favorite Crosby Christmas classics is “Mele Kalikimaka,” often referred to as the “Hawaiian Christmas Song.”
Since Buffett’s September 2023 death, all his music has taken on a new meaning.
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“Mele Kalikimaka” was written in 1949 by Robert Alex Anderson and made famous by Crosby and the Andrews Sisters one year later.
It has since been covered by many artists including Bette Midler, Kacey Musgraves, and of course, Jimmy Buffett!
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Actually, Buffett has recorded the song twice for two different albums – 1996’s Christmas Island and 2016’s ‘Tis The SeaSon.
His 2016 version was a duet with famed ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro.
This Christmas classic is the perfect song for Buffett, who has taken on an island-life persona, which can be proven just by the name of his fandom, the Parrot Heads!
It’s hard not to sit still when hearing this fun song and Buffett’s version is no different. From the very first strum of the guitar, we were swaying back and forth to the beat of the song. Buffett’s vocals were very soothing and warm, embodying the spirit of Christmas, a tropical Christmas, that is!
Take a listen to Buffett’s 1996 version below.
The songs on his 2016 Christmas album include “Wonderful Christmastime,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “White Christmas,” and a twist on “Twelve Days Of Christmas.”
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His 1996 album feature the favorites “Run Rudolph Run,” “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” “Jingle Bells,” “Up on the House Top,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” along with a few originals!
And watch his live impromptu performance of “Mele Kalikimaka” below!
