Even those of us that love the "classic" versions of the quintessential holiday song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from artists like Dean Martin may not know that the tune dates back to the mid 1940s. And, that it was penned and performed by a couple to encourage guests at their lavish parties to go home.
Eventually, it found its way into the movies and was first performed to public view by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams. And then no fewer than 10 duets followed in 1949, featuring names like Bing, Doris, Bob, Ella and Dinah.
But, as I dove into the history of this classic, there was one that stopped me in my tracks; a version that deviates so subtly from the original that it is elegant in its improv departure from the script.
On this Music Friday in which we shift to holiday music...this is Pearl Bailey and Hot Lips Page from the Ed Sullivan Show.
My new favorite. Yours?
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