“Mele Kalikimaka” Honors Lost Family Matriarch on Christmas Eve at Home
Posted by glennled on January 12, 2013
Glenn Ledbetter plays “Mele Kalikimaka” on his Super Olds Cornet (1954)
Our family tradition on Christmas Eve includes singing Christmas carols after dinner and before opening gifts. My wife plays piano as we sing, and a few years ago, we added a couple of trumpet solos to the program. This year, I played “Mele Kalikimaka” because on all our minds was the recent loss of my wife’s mother, Ruth, who died peacefully on 12 October. This was our first Christmas without her.
To Ruth, Hawaii was paradise. She and her husband, Mac, first went to Waikiki to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They always returned annually until he passed away, and then she continued to go back. In all, she vacationed there for 39 straight years! She was a bright spirit, and we miss her so much.
“Mele Kalikimaka” means “Merry Christmas,” and Robert Alex Anderson wrote the song in 1949. Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters recorded the song in 1950 on Decca 27228 (78 rpm)/9-27228 (45 rmp). To hear their recording, please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJhYrC8Rq8w.
For my second trumpet solo, I played “Angels We Have Heard on High,” a traditional French carol.
Glenn's Trumpet Notes 
Kristen Pickard Kimes said
I agree with Mom. Grammi might have giggled at the “matriarch,” but soon after would have struck a pose as official matriarch…which would have made us giggle.
glennled said
Yes, and then out would come the camera to catch her pose for posterity…giggle.
Nancy said
I do think my petite little mom would have giggled at the “Matriarch” title. Can’t you hear her saying, “But I’m Baby Ruth!”
glennled said
Yes, you’re right on! “But I’m Baby Ruth!” with a pouty face, followed by a wide smile and a twinkle in her eyes, looking directly at you.
Tarnya said
Finally have a moment to sit down. Love the write-up. Will have to listen at some stage to the song. I can’t imagine the hurt of loosing a Mum :(. Please pass on a hug to Nancy. Love, Tarnya (New Zealand)
glennled said
Yes, it’s hard to bear such deep grief. She wants me to tell you that she appreciates your hug.
wwayne said
Talking about trumpets solos, I love the one that suddenly peeps out at the end [minute 3:34] of this reggae song, because it adds an unexpected and delightful jazz touch to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zOwPBykLOE.
glennled said
Thanks for helping us promote the trumpet, Wayne!
wwayne said
Thank you as well for your reply! : )