Gayla Peevey is a former American child star known for her popular Christmas song, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." Here are some interesting facts about her:
Early Life and Career: Gayla Peevey was born on March 8, 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. She began her singing career at a very young age, starting with local radio performances.
"I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas": The song that made Gayla Peevey famous, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," was released in 1953 when she was only 10 years old. The song was a hit and became an instant classic, loved by children and adults alike. Peevey's performance of the song led to her receiving a real hippopotamus as a Christmas gift from the city of Oklahoma City.
Hippopotamus Gift: After the song's success, the Oklahoma City Zoo gifted Gayla Peevey a baby hippopotamus named Matilda. This became a heartwarming and widely covered story at the time. Matilda, however, was later donated to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, as Peevey's family couldn't accommodate a full-grown hippo.
Musical Career: Despite her early success with "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," Gayla Peevey continued her musical career with other songs and even released an album. However, she did not achieve the same level of fame as her Christmas hit.
Return to Music: In the 1980s, Gayla Peevey made a return to the music industry as a singer-songwriter. She released several albums and continued performing at various events and venues.
Life Beyond Music: Peevey's life took her beyond the music industry. She pursued a career in acting and appeared in television shows, commercials, and movies.
Rekindling Fame: Over the years, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" gained popularity again as a holiday favorite, and Gayla Peevey became somewhat of a cult figure. She made occasional appearances on television and at events to perform the song.
Legacy: Gayla Peevey's Christmas classic has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be played on the radio during the holiday season, making her a part of Christmas music history.
Gayla Peevey's catchy Christmas song and the heartwarming story of receiving a hippopotamus as a gift have left a lasting legacy in the world of holiday music and pop culture.