Elmo Shropshire
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (November 2010) |
Elmo Shropshire, D.V.M. (born October 26, 1936 in Lexington, Kentucky), better known as Dr. Elmo, is a singer of comedy songs, most notably "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." He originally recorded the song in 1979 with his then-wife Patsy. He re-recorded it solo in 1992 for the album Dr. Elmo's Twisted Christmas and again in 2000 for the album Up Your Chimney. He also recorded two albums of year-round songs: Dr. Elmo's Twisted Tunes (1993) and Love, Death and Taxes (2000).
Early life
Elmo is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and has a degree in veterinary medicine from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. After moving to San Francisco, he opened an animal hospital and became a competitive runner, all while continuing to play with his bluegrass band.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
In 1979, Shropshire recorded "Grandma..." (written by his friend Randy Brooks) and became an instant regional superstar.
Elmo originally invested $40,000 of his own money to produce the original album and music video for "Grandma..." and in return, he's become "a millionaire five times over".[1] Since then, Elmo has become part of a class action suit against Sony based upon the royalties paid from digital downloads and ringtone sales.[2]
In the Christmas special, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", Dr. Elmo was the co-writer, the voice of Grandpa and the adult Jake narrating.
Personal
Shropshire lives in Novato, California.[3] He and Patsy divorced in 1985.[4]
Discography
Elmo & Patsy - Elmo & Patsy, 1974 (Kim-Pat records)
Elmo & Patsy - Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, 1983
Dr. Elmo's Twisted Christmas, 1992
Dr. Elmo's Twisted Tunes, 1993
Dr. Elmo - Love, Death, and Taxes, 2000
Dr. Elmo - Up Your Chimney, 2000
Dr. Elmo's MisceLOONYous Tunes, 2000
Dr. Elmo - Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, 2002
Dr. Elmo - Christmas in the U.S.A., 2004
Dr. Elmo Sings the Boos, 2005
Redneck Dracula, 2006 (Dr. Elmo on 6 songs and The Halloween Ghouls on 4)
Dr. Elmo Bluegrass Christmas, 2010
Singles
- 1979 "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" US Country #64 US #92
Music videos
| Year | Video | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" | Marcus Stevens |
References
- ^ "How to make a million dollars". Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Retrieved 2006-10-30.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Napoli, Lisa (2006-10-30). "Ringtone royalties" (Audio with transcript). Marketplace.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "'Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer' singer is sued". USA Today. 2007-11-27. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
- ^ http://www.pacificsun.com/story_archives/dr_elmo.html
http://australianbluegrass.com/
http://social.entertainment.msn.com