When it comes to Christmas duets, country music has amazingly many well-loved duos – such as the well-known tandem of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. There are also collaborations that surprised us, like Martina McBride and Elvis Presley. Nevertheless, they leave us breathless, providing a comforting and reassuring feeling that fills us with happiness and joy.
So, without further ado, here are the top Christmas duets that will surely help you find a sense of serenity and tranquility during a busy time of year.
1. Mary, Did You Know? by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd
From: The Gift (1996)
This angelic song, which asked Mary, the mother of Jesus, if she knew what Jesus would accomplish during his life, was written by Mark Lowry in 1984. “Mary Did You Know?” has since become a modern Christmas classic, recorded and covered by many artists over the years. One that stood out among the rest was Kenny Rogers’ team-up with Wynonna Judd for his Christmas album, The Gift.
2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Martina McBride and Dean Martin
From: Christmas with Dino (2006)
Although the lyrics don’t specifically refer to a holiday, it’s widely considered a Christmas song because of its winter theme. The song came out in eight different versions in 1949 and has been performed by many artists in various renditions since then.
In 2006, Dean Martin released the song as a duet with Martina McBride for his album, Christmas with Dino.
3. Blue Christmas by Martina McBride and Elvis Presley
From: Elvis Presley Christmas Duets (2008)
“Blue Christmas,” a tale of unrequited love during the holidays, was famously recorded by Elvis Presley in 1964. The song has since become a holiday classic. In 2008, producers brought together Elvis Presley and Martina McBride’s talents to create one beautiful duet. Footage from Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special was used and combined with an impressively edited video of McBride singing along with Presley.
4. There’s a New Kid in Town by Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson
From: Cheers, It’s Christmas (2012)
Blake Shelton’s 2012 Christmas album, Cheers, It’s Christmas, was filled with country showstoppers such as Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Pistol Annies. However, the album’s heart is Kelly Clarkson as they teamed up for “There’s a New Kid In Town,” which was originally written by Keith Whitley. The two talented country stars playful banter heralds a flawless and powerful duet that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.
5. That Christmasy Feeling by Johnny Cash and Anne Murray
From: Johnny Cash Christmas Special (1979)
Johnny Cash Christmas Special in 1979 featured fascinating guests like Tom T. Hall, Andy Kaufman, and Anne Murray, who was riding high on her career-reviving hit “You Needed Me.” Cash and Murray cheerily performed “That Christmasy Feeling” – a festive duet that exuded Christmas cheer and a dash of ’70s charm.
The song was originally written by Cash’s brother Tommy for his 1972 album, The Johnny Cash Family Christmas.
6. Pretty Paper by Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney
From: All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan (2003)
For You
Willie Nelson originally wrote the song, but it was popularized by Roy Orbison in 1963. “Pretty Paper” has since become a timeless classic. In 2003, Kenny Chesney covered it and invited Nelson to join for a duet. Their interplay, blending Chesney’s laid-back style and Nelson’s signature delivery, brought an effortless coolness to this festive track, standing out in the holiday rush.
7. Christmas in Dixie by Kenny Chesney and Randy Owen
From: All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan (2003)
This Christmas song was first released by country band Alabama in 1982 for their compilation album, A Country Christmas. Since then, many country artists have included the song in their Christmas compilations. It included Kenny Chesney, whose version featured Alabama’s lead singer, Randy Owen.
Owen is also one of the songwriters of “Christmas in Dixie.”
8. The Greatest Gift of All by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
From: Once Upon a Christmas (1984)
In 1984, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers released a collaborative studio album called Once Upon a Christmas that contains six remarkable Christmas duets. One that truly stood out is “The Greatest Gift of All,” the highest charting song from the iconic album.
9. It Must’ve Been the Mistletoe by Tanya Tucker and Glen Campbell
From: CBS’ Country Christmas (1980)
Tanya Tucker and Glen Campbell – who were once romantically involved in the early 1980s – shared a sweet moment on the 1980 TV special, A Country Christmas. In the romantic segment, the couple – filled with love, walked in the snow while carrying gifts and sang “It Must Have Been the Mistletoe (Our First Christmas). While the chemistry is undeniable, an official recording of their dreamy duet was surprisingly never made.
10. The Angels Cried by Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss
From: Honky Tonk Christmas (1993)
In 1993, Alan Jackson was riding high on his string of country hits and multi-platinum records when he released his first Christmas album, Honky Tonk Christmas. The album featured a unique mix of tracks, including a posthumous duet with Keith Whitley and a humorous collaboration with Alvin & the Chipmunks.
However, it was his ethereal duet with a then-young Alison Krauss on “The Angels Cried” that earned the most praise. Despite her young age, Krauss not only matched the established superstar but also enhanced the performance, making their song truly unforgettable.
So, there you have it – the top 10 Christmas duets to help you dive into the festive spirit today. Which one is your most favorite?
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