Chilling Duet: The Story Behind Who Sang ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ with Dean Martin
As winter draws near and the temperature drops, one song is sure to be on everyone’s playlist: “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” This beloved holiday tune has been covered by countless artists over the years, but there is one rendition that continues to stand out among the rest. That’s right, I’m talking about the iconic duet between Dean Martin and his mystery companion. Who exactly was the lucky lady who sang alongside The King of Cool in this timeless classic? Let’s delve into the history and mystery surrounding who sang “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with Dean Martin.
In the world of classic Christmas songs, few are as beloved as “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Originally written in 1944 by composer Frank Loesser, it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. One of the most famous versions is the duet between Dean Martin and a mystery female singer. However, many people wonder: Who was this woman who sang such a captivating rendition with Dino? In this article, we will dive into the history behind this iconic collaboration and uncover the identity of the woman who sang “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with Dean Martin.
The History of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”:
Before we delve into the mystery singer, let’s first explore the history of this timeless Christmas classic. As mentioned before, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” was written by Frank Loesser in 1944. He wrote it as a duet for himself and his wife, Lynn Garland, to sing at holiday parties.
The song was originally featured in the movie “Neptune’s Daughter” in 1949, sung by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams. However, it wasn’t until later that year when Dean Martin and an unknown woman recorded their version that it became a huge hit.
The song tells the story of a man trying to convince a woman to stay overnight at his house while she insists on leaving due to societal expectations of women at that time. The playful back-and-forth between the two characters has made it a favorite among audiences for decades.
The Identity of The Mystery Singer:
So who was the mysterious woman who sang alongside Dean Martin on this iconic track? This question has puzzled fans and music historians for years. Many theories have been proposed, but after much research and speculation, it has been revealed that it was actually Marilyn Maxwell.
Marilyn Maxwell was an American actress and singer, best known for her work in films during the 1940s and 1950s. She was a close friend of Dean Martin and had worked with him on various shows and movies. It was no surprise that she would be chosen to sing with him on his version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”
The Collaboration Between Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell:
Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell first worked together in 1948 on the radio show “Songs by Sinatra.” From then on, they became good friends and even starred in two movies together, “The Lemon Drop Kid” in 1951 and “Meet Me at the Fair” in 1953.
Their chemistry on screen was evident, and it carried over into their recording of “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” The playful banter between Dean Martin’s smooth vocals and Marilyn Maxwell’s charming sassiness created a magical duet that continues to be loved by many.
The Success of Their Collaboration:
When Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell released their version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” it became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. Their rendition has since been covered countless times by other artists, but none have captured the same magic as the original duet.
Furthermore, their collaboration extended beyond just recording the song. They also performed it live together on various TV shows such as “The Steve Allen Show” and “The Bob Hope Show,” solidifying their status as a musical duo.
Controversy Surrounding The Song:
While “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has remained a beloved Christmas classic for many years, it has also faced its fair share of controversy. In recent years, there have been debates about whether the song promotes date rape culture due to lyrics such as “Say what’s in this drink?”
However, defenders of the song argue that it was written within the context of the societal expectations and social norms of its time. Moreover, they believe that the song is actually an empowering message about a woman standing up for herself and making her own decisions.
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In conclusion, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is a timeless Christmas song that has been embraced by many over the years. The duet between Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell has become the most well-known version of the song and has solidified their place in music history.
As we have discovered, Marilyn Maxwell was the mystery singer who joined Dean Martin on this iconic track. Their friendship and chemistry brought a special magic to their performance, making it a beloved classic to this day.
Despite some controversy surrounding the song, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” remains a holiday staple for many and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest duets in music history. So next time you listen to this iconic song, remember the dynamic duo behind it: Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell.
The History of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” is a popular classic holiday song that was written by Frank Loesser in 1944. The song has been covered numerous times by various artists, but one of the most iconic versions is the duet between Dean Martin and Doris Day in 1959. However, Dean Martin also recorded the song with other artists, including Mae West, Margaret Whiting, and jazz singer Martina McBride.
The origin of the song can be traced back to the time when Frank Loesser would frequently write songs for him and his wife to sing at parties. His wife, Lynn Garland, suggested that he should write a Christmas duet that they could perform together. And so, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” was born.
The Controversy Surrounding “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
Despite its popularity over the years, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has also faced its fair share of controversy. In recent years, the song has been criticized for promoting themes of rape and coercion.
Some argue that the lyrics show an underlying tone of sexual aggression from the male character towards the female character, as he tries to convince her to stay despite her repeated protests. On the other hand, others argue that the context of when and where the song was written should be considered – during a time when society had different views on dating and relationships.
In 2018, radio stations in Canada even banned “Baby It’s Cold Outside” from their Christmas playlist due to these concerns. However, many mainstream artists like Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé have defended the song and continue to perform it during their holiday concerts.
Why Dean Martin was Iconic for “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
Although there have been many covers of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, there is no doubt that Dean Martin’s version with Doris Day remains the most popular. Martin’s effortless charm and suave voice brought new life to the song, making it an instant hit.
Martin had a natural chemistry with Day, and their playful banter during the song adds to its appeal. Not only did this version reach number one on the Billboard charts, but it also won a Grammy award for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus in 1960.
In addition to his duet with Doris Day, Dean Martin also recorded solo versions of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” on two of his albums – “Happy Holidays” and “My Kind of Christmas”. His versions showcase his smooth vocals and effortless style, solidifying his status as the iconic voice of this classic holiday tune.
The Legacy of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” has become synonymous with Christmas and is a staple on holiday playlists all over the world. The catchy tune and flirty lyrics have made it a classic duet that continues to be covered by artists from different genres.
The song has also been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its presence in pop culture. One of the most memorable uses of the song was in the movie “Elf”, where Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell perform an adorable rendition together.
Despite the controversy surrounding it, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” remains a beloved holiday song that is sure to continue being sung for many years to come.
Dean Martin’s rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” will always hold a special place in our hearts. The smooth vocals of Martin, combined with his effortless charm, make this version truly iconic. While there have been debates about the lyrics and their relevance in modern times, one thing is for sure – this classic holiday duet has stood the test of time and will continue to be a Christmas favorite for generations to come.
Q: Who sang “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with Dean Martin?
A: “Baby It’s Cold Outside” was famously sung as a duet by Dean Martin and his frequent collaborator, singer and actress Doris Day.
Q: Are there other versions of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” besides the one with Dean Martin?
A: Yes, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has been covered by numerous artists, including Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, and Ray Charles and Betty Carter.
Q: When was the version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin released?
A: The duet between Dean Martin and Doris Day was released in 1959 as part of Martin’s studio album A Winter Romance.
Q: Was “Baby It’s Cold Outside” originally performed by Dean Martin?
A: No, the original version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” was performed by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalbán in the 1949 film Neptune’s Daughter. However, many consider Martin and Day’s version to be the most popular and iconic rendition.
Q: Did Dean Martin write the lyrics for “Baby It’s Cold Outside” himself?
A: No, the lyrics for “Baby It’s Cold Outside” were written by American composer Frank Loesser in 1944. Loesser wrote it as a party song to perform with his wife at social gatherings.
Q: Is there any controversy surrounding the lyrics of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” sung by Dean Martin?
A: Yes, in recent years there has been some controversy surrounding the song due to its perceived endorsement of date rape. Some have argued that the lyrics depict a man pressuring a woman to stay despite her saying no. However, many have also defended the song, arguing that it should be viewed in its historical context and as a flirtatious exchange rather than a predatory one.
In conclusion, the iconic song “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has been performed by numerous artists over the years. However, Dean Martin’s version stands out as the most beloved and iconic rendition of the song. His smooth vocals and playful banter with musical partner, Martina McBride, bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to listeners every holiday season.
Through its timeless lyrics and unforgettable melody, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” continues to remain a popular holiday classic that has transcended generations. Despite some controversy surrounding the song’s lyrics in recent years, it remains a staple in holiday playlists and continues to be reimagined by new artists.
Moreover, Dean Martin’s collaboration with Martina McBride helped introduce the song to a younger generation and solidify its status as a holiday favorite. Their chemistry and dynamic vocals truly captured the essence of the song’s flirty yet innocent tone.
From its inception in 1944 to its enduring popularity today, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has cemented itself as a beloved Christmas classic. Its message of cozying up with someone special during the chilly winter months resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Overall, Dean Martin’s rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” remains unrivaled in its ability to evoke feelings