The ultimate performance of 'Feliz Navidad' from 'Bette Davis'
Among the longest, heartiest laughs I ever had around Christmas Time was when a Baltimore friend enlivened a holiday party with the ultimate interpretation of that rather annoying Jose Feliciano ditty "Feliz Navidad."
This version features none other than the immortal Bette Davis (OK, impersonator Jimmy James, if you want to be so damn technical), and just the mere idea of that woman singing this bouncy tune is hilarious. The sound of it is all the more so. I figured I owed it you, my treasured bloggies, to share it this Christmas.
(I should also add that, in addition to being a hoot, this recording has another interesting property. If you play it for a mixed crowd of unsuspecting folks, you'll find that it makes a pretty good test of who's gay -- or exceedingly gay-friendly -- in the room. They'll be the ones who really, really get it.)
I was delighted to find a YouTube clip of this incomparable classic. It's audio only, accompanied by shots of Davis films, so you'll have to imagine her (or Jimmy James) actually singing it, but that should be easy enough.
So brace yourself. Here comes Bette doing to "Feliz Navidad" what should be done to "Feliz Navidad":
Comments
OMG that was hysterical. Love the ending - classic Bette Davis.
Even the capcha seems somehow appropriate : Priscilla soupro
Glad you liked it. TIM
Posted by: MC | December 22, 2010 10:20 AM
That song will never be the same in my mind again! Bette sounds like Tallulah on crack! Thanks for the Holiday laugh, Tim. And thanks for all you do for the Baltimore Metro arts community.
Happy HoHoHo Days!
Tin Lizzie
I know well what you mean about that song never being the same. Brilliant, just brilliant. Thanks for writing. TIM.
Posted by: Lizzie | December 22, 2010 12:26 PM
Bravo Jimmy James!
Will Bette Davis ever rest in peace? I hope not. She'd've loved this holiday jewel for sure! Sent this 3 minute new "classic" around the world to friends and got instant responses with howling laughter! How can we ever hear this song again, without thinking of Bette Davis stubbing out her ciggarette butts and slapping faces as "she" sings?
As Bette might say, how nice you, how nice for me, how nice for everybody! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers. TIM
Posted by: p.mac | December 29, 2010 3:48 AM