In December 1982, the country band Alabama released “Christmas in Dixie” as a single from the compilation album A Country Christmas.
Three years later, the band included the holiday tune on their first Christmas album titled Christmas. Since then, the song has made its way onto numerous Christmas compilations across country and various music genres.
Several country artists have also taken on this tune, such as Kenny Chesney, who featured Alabama’s lead singer Randy Owen in his rendition. In 2020, the country a cappella group Home Free put their spin on it, and in 2022, Jason Aldean released his own version.
Alabama even revamped the track by recording an unplugged version for their third Christmas album in 2017 called American Christmas, marking the 35th anniversary since the song’s original release.
Meaning Behind The Song
Written by Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, and Randy Owen, “Christmas in Dixie” is a Christmas song that not only celebrates the Yuletide season but also pays tribute to the band’s Southern roots.
For You
The track starts with a mesmerizing steel guitar as lead singer Randy Owen guides you through the essence of Christmas, spanning big cities like New York City, California, Chicago, and Detroit, capturing the festive spirit across the United States.
Yet, he can’t deny the special charm of Christmas in Southeastern cities, acknowledging that it holds a unique place in his heart.
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“Christmas in Dixie, it’s snowin’ in the pines. Merry Christmas from Dixie to everyone tonight,” the song goes. It’s amazing how it has captured the essence of a Southern Christmas. Prior to the song’s conclusion, it is particularly memorable as it features a spoken-word Christmas greeting by each member of Alabama.
Feel the holiday vibes of Alabama’s “Christmas in Dixie” by hitting play on the video below for a fantastic listening experience!
