Home LifestyleOklahoma History The History Behind “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”

The History Behind “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”

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Oklahoma native Gayla Peevey is the famous voice behind the 1953 hit song, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”

Peevey was born in 1943 in Oklahoma City and began singing at church during preschool. In fourth grade, Peevey appeared regularly on TV stations WKY and Channel 4 in Oklahoma City. At the age of 10, she caught the eye of Columbia Records.

Peevey and her mom traveled from Oklahoma to New York to meet with Mitch Miller, a well-known record company executive and producer. Together, they created the catchy, classic song that we play on repeat during the holidays.

Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

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