If you’re a fan of the holiday classic movie, Christmas Vacation, you’ve probably found yourself humming along to the catchy tune “Mele Kalikimaka” during the opening credits. But who actually sings this festive song?
The Answer: Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters.
That’s right! Bing Crosby, known for his iconic crooning voice and classic Christmas songs like “White Christmas,” teamed up with The Andrews Sisters to record “Mele Kalikimaka” in 1950.
What is Mele Kalikimaka?
Before we dive into the origin of the song and its significance in Christmas Vacation, let’s first understand what “Mele Kalikimaka” means. It’s a Hawaiian phrase that translates to “Merry Christmas.” It’s no surprise then that the song has a tropical sound with Hawaiian-inspired music elements like ukuleles and steel guitars.
The History of Mele Kalikimaka
The song was written by Robert Alex Anderson in 1949. Anderson was a native of Hawaii, and he wanted to create a Hawaiian-style Christmas song that would capture the beauty and warmth of his home state during the holidays.
The song quickly became popular in Hawaii, but it wasn’t until Bing Crosby’s rendition with The Andrews Sisters that it gained widespread international recognition. The catchy tune has since become a holiday staple, played on radios and in shopping centers around the world during the festive season.
Mele Kalikimaka in Christmas Vacation
So why did director Jeremiah Chechik choose “Mele Kalikimaka” as the opening credits song for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? According to an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Chechik said that he wanted to set a fun tone for the movie right from the beginning.
He felt that “Mele Kalikimaka” was the perfect song to do this, as it had a joyful and playful vibe that matched the movie’s comedic themes. The song’s tropical elements also contrasted with the snowy winter setting, adding to the movie’s quirky charm.
In the movie, “Mele Kalikimaka” plays during the opening credits while Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) drives his family to find the perfect Christmas tree. It sets a cheerful tone for the movie and puts viewers in a festive mood right from the start.
Conclusion
So there you have it – Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters are responsible for singing the holiday classic “Mele Kalikimaka.” Its Hawaiian-inspired sound and catchy melody have made it a beloved Christmas song worldwide, and its use in Christmas Vacation adds to its festive charm.
Next time you watch Christmas Vacation, be sure to sing along to “Mele Kalikimaka” during the opening credits and get yourself into that holiday spirit!