How many women have put on their sexiest voices to sing this campiest of all Christmas songs? Unless you’re Eartha Kitt, it’s an act. But she had the voice and the spirit to make this song more than a novelty.
Here’s the original, recorded in 1953 by a 26-year-old Ms. Kitt:
Eartha Kitt died on Christmas Day in 2008, after nearly 82 years of a fascinating and at times poignant life.
Born the child of a black mother and white father, possibly as a result of rape, her mother had a challenging time finding a home for her small family because one daughter (Eartha) was “yellow” — light-skinned — and illegitimate.
She grew up to enjoy great success as an entertainer, but it wasn’t without its challenges. And despite limited education when she was a child, as an adult she reportedly spoke four languages, including French, and sang in eleven. Her roles as an actress ranged from Helen of Troy to Catwoman in the Batman TV series (replacing Julie Newmar).
About a year before she died, she made this comment about “Santa Baby” in an interview on NPR:
“every time I sing “Santa Baby,” I laugh more at myself when I’m singing that song because I know what I’ve gone through and the song says Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree. Well, all the men who have done that with me had never stayed with me, so I realized everything that I want in life I have to pay for myself, and I really love that because then nobody owns me, but me, and my public of course. “
Merry Christmas to all who struggle, whatever your pain may be. Find strength in the victories of others, knowing the same can happen for you.
My World With Words 
Where I work it is tradition for Mrs. Claus to sing Santa Baby to Santa Claus. Each time it is a hoot. This song makes me think of each hilarious time it happens.
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That’s fun! I like that take on the song.
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It’s fun to learn a little about the artist who recorded Santa Baby.
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Thank you! I found her story compelling.
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I didn’t know about this woman. I like her attitude.
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I agree! I knew virtually nothing about her either until I did little research for this piece, just out of curiosity.
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Love it. She was the coolest – Madonna can’t touch her at all.
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Not a chance. She was the real thing.
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Splendid piece! thank you!
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🙂
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Wow I did not know all that about Eartha…thanks for sharing. Always loved that song it’s such fun and a little naughty…in a nice way!! Merry Christmas Belinda to you and your family!! xo
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Her life was fascinating — you’re right, the song is “naughty in a nice way”! Merry Christmas to you, too. Look forward to having many more things to be grateful for in the next year, and your posts so often reflect my life!
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I look forward to it too! Cheers to an inspiring 2018!! 🙂
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I love Eartha Kitt’s messages of self love. There’s one video where she’s explaining the farce in compromise in a relationship.
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I’d love to see that. She clearly was an intelligent woman, and sounds like a wise one as well.
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Your wishes have been granted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGYwf7e_cr8
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Thank you so much!
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