Why the Singer of ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’ Wasn’t Featured in the Animated Christmas Special
Dr. Elmo Shropshire (left), 2000’s "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer".
Credit:
Kevin Mazur/Getty; Phil Roman Entertainment
NEIGHBORHOOD OF SANTA: A HOLIDAY CLASSIC WITH A BACKSTORY
Dr. Elmo Shropshire, renowned for his iconic Christmas song "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," recently shared insights into the making of the 2000 animated holiday special inspired by his music.
In an interview on Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia, Shropshire spoke about his involvement in the film. While he narrated and voiced the character of Grandpa, his song did not make it into the final cut. "I got to be in the movie as the narrator and played the part of Grandpa and then I wrote some other songs that were in the movie," he recalled, reflecting on the excitement of the experience.
Despite his participation in the project, Shropshire’s iconic rendition was left out due to disagreements with one of the film’s producers over merchandising royalties. "That disagreement led me to not allow him to use my recording in the movie," he explained, noting the issue spanned several years.
Shropshire originally recorded the hit song, written by Randy Brooks, in 1979 with then-wife Patsy Trigg. The duet gained significant popularity, launching a wave of fame for the couple before they divorced in 1985. In the holiday special, the musical numbers were performed by Gary Chase, who also contributed as the score mixer and arranger.
As the animated special marks its 25th anniversary this year, Shropshire expressed a desire for a different approach. "I wrote it, and then they got someone to sort of rewrite it. I would have hoped or had it more like South Park," he shared. Despite this, he acknowledged the final product’s broader appeal, saying, "I thought it might have been funnier, however, being like it is, so it appeals to everyone — especially, it doesn’t offend anyone — that might have been the best way to go for that song."
The conversation unveils the complexities behind a beloved holiday staple, emphasizing the intersection of artistry and business in the entertainment world.
