MUSIC
The Story behind Cynthia Basinet’s Rendition of “Santa Baby”
It’s highly likely that you’ve come across the tantalizing carol “Santa Baby” and marveled at such blissful singing that tugs at your heartstrings…perhaps even wondered when Marilyn Monroe got to release her rendition of Joan Javits, Phillip Springer, and Eartha Kitt’s 1953 classic. And like many others, what you did not know was that you were listening to the sweet-sounding rendition of the vocal prowess of Cynthia Basinet. This encapsulates the story that has been Basinet’s rendition so far, a cover that, in its own right, has gone on to achieve considerable success, amass millions of streams, and receive airplay the world over, especially when the festive season comes calling. Everybody wants a piece of that “Santa Baby” as they envision him hurrying down the chimney.
And as much as she is fluttered by being likened to an iconic actress of our time, Marilyn Monroe, she wouldn’t have minded being recognized for her own powerful voice, jazzy inflection, and charismatic tone that make this jam leave a lasting impression on anyone who comes into close contact with it.
When she recorded this track back in 1997, it was actually as a Christmas gift, contrary to the widespread belief that it was a birthday gift for Jack Nicholson, she did not anticipate the global resonance that really awaited her own innocent and flavorful rendition. Suffice to say, during an era when the internet was not as advanced as it is today, getting recognized for it was a major stumbling block, and it was not long before the track was copyrighted and sold under pretense, making her lose out on all royalties from the song.
This story is told in detail in the podcast “Discovering Truth featuring Cynthia Basinet: The Truth about Santa Baby.” The link for the same can be found on all her social media platforms and is worth listening to.
Amidst all this confusion and turbulence, nothing takes away from the sweetness of this beautiful jam. I mean, I’ve been listening to it since November, and every time I play it, it feels like Christmas.
This is such a sensational carol that sees such an incredibly gifted vocalist breathe life with her tasty, strong vocals, gliding through the smooth and mellow jazz melodies with subtle confidence, and transporting a listener into her world, where irresistible festive emotions run high. It’s a place that you don’t wish to leave anytime soon.
Unlike the many acclaimed artists who have covered the track after Cynthia, such as RuPaul, Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue, and Ariana Grande, Basinet’s heartwarming and soul-stirring rendition was actually recorded after only Madonna’s earlier version, famously known as the ‘Betty Boop’ version. It’s important to acknowledge that Basinet’s rendition deserves recognition not because people mistake it for Monroe’s voice, but because listeners are genuinely enchanted by what they hear and are eager to discover the artist behind that stunning voice!
The numbers speak for themselves; this jam already has over 1 million streams on Spotify alone and has enjoyed global listenership.
This is what vocal talent feels like—something you listen to once and can’t get enough of. Something that makes your heart full and stamps an indelible imprint on you. That something is Cynthia’s “Santa Baby.”
This tune is further proof of her jazz music virtuosity, and the way she packs such an appropriate punch with her vocal dexterity deserves to be hailed more and compared less!
If you haven’t yet, you’re likely eager to discover this masterpiece for yourself. Follow the link below and relish!
To connect more with Cynthia Basinet, her music, and her podcast, “The World According to Cynthia”, follow her on Instagram.