Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to submit a question or make a comment about music, Elmo & Patsy, Grandma, or have thoughts on just about anything, please click here.
I want to congratulate you on your newest accomplishment - "Letters from Grandma". Your book is sure to delight many readers, just as your popular song "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" has for years! It seems that whatever endeavor you choose, you always have the magical touch and it becomes a success. Thank you for providing entertainment for all ages. Lincoln County is proud to claim you as a native daughter! I know your father was very proud of all your many accomplishments over the years! If I can ever be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact me. Peggy G. Bevels, County Mayor
Thank you for the encouraging words. Fayetteville has always held a special place in my fathers heart and when he retired from the military, Fayetteville was where he wanted to live out the rest of his life. I feel the same way. The folks here are the best!
Q. Grandma, was Santa cited for hit and run when he ran over you or was it the reindeers’ fault? MPG Tennessee, Dec. 9, 2008
A. I didn’t press charges but the State brought charges. Santa and the Reindeer were found guilty of a class A Felony. Due to extenuating circumstances this Class A Felony was lowered to a misdemeanor and the Court released Santa and the Reindeer on their own recognizance and they have to report in after Christmas for community service.
I am from Lincoln Co and currently live near Petersburg. I love Grandma but did not know it was recorded by a local until a friend, Wayne Owens, told me a few years ago. Imagine how proud I was to learn that fact. Just yesterday when I was at Patrick's Clinic I heard one of the therapists singing "Grandma got run over by a reindeer". Wonder if he knows a local sings that song? Ya did a good job on that song. It is one that makes people smile and laugh--sometimes when they are down. The others I am not familar with but do love Grandma. Peggy Coleman
Thank you for taking the time to write in and Grandma is smiling big time!
Q. Was "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" the original title? Anne, Florida
A. No, in the Songwriter Term Contract signed and recorded April 23, 1979 with the Copyright Office of the United States of America, the Library of Congress, by Kris Publishing, the copyright owner, the song was titled "Killer Reindeer". On the original filing Randy Brooks, the writer, had hand written in "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" under "Killer Reindeer"
Was so wonderful to talk with you...Merry Christmas. I read the article, and that is some crazy stuff you're having to deal with...wow! Hope you get this resolved and they quit drivin' ya crazy! Thanks for all the wonderful gifts over the years, and, of course, the wonderful friendship! You always make Christmas special! Hugs and Smiles! Alan, 101.5 The River, in West Virginia
Hi Alan. Good to hear from you and am glad you enjoyed the book. It was great fun writing it and putting it together. At the present have a comic book in the works and a couple of ideas that stay at the forefront of my mind. Have a very Merry Christmas and take care.
Q. We hear "Grandma" every Christmas and wonder has she ever made the charts? Ron, Taft, Tennessee
A. "Grandma" reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Christmas Charts on December 24, 1983. She held that spot five years running, placing Bing Crosby's White Christmas in second.
I just wanted to let you know what fond memories I have of you from the Harvest Festivals. My father made toys and sold them on the Harvest Festival circuit for many years in the 80's and early 90's. I grew up listening to your music and was lucky enough to receive a cassette tape of yours one year for Christmas. And yes, I still know all the words to "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road". I am now a 34 year old school teacher (and continue making toys since my father passed away) in Washington and my 5 year old son is listening to the same tape; as well as a newer recording. You and Elmo are very fond memories of mine and I will continue telling my stories that start "I knew them when..." Thank you again for being an important part of my childhood. Jason Rounds
It was a great surprise hearing from you. I'm sorry to hear about your father. I believe I still have a wooden toy you made which I put on my Christmas tree every year. Thank you for writing in.
Q. What is the difference between a gold and a platinum record and did "Grandma" attain either of these? Doug, California
A. Gold is the sales of 500,000 copies and Platinum is the sales in excess of one million. In January of 1990, "Grandma" recieved her first Gold Record, and in February 1997, "Grandma" recieved her first Platinum Record.
Q. Were Elmo and Patsy married?
A. Yes. Shortly after graduating from MTSU I moved to San Francisco to begin my new career as an Airline Hostess for TWA. This was in 1970. In 1971 one of my roommates, Marie, was dating a young man who was a veterinarian. Noticing that I had a guitar W. J. said he knew of a bluegrass group that was looking for a guitar player. As it turned out, they didn’t need a guitar player, they needed a bass player, so I started out as the bass player for the Homestead Act.
From the age of 10 and up to this point my musical background was Country & Western and Rock & Roll. I played rhythm and some lead electric guitar. While in college I played drums in a cocktail trio. This was the first time I played bluegrass music. It was fun learning techniques for an acoustic guitar as well as learning to play the mandolin and fiddle, great fun!
In October of 1971 my Mom and Dad, Ellyn and Bill Trigg, invited us to come out to Tennessee. My Dad arranged for us to play in the Fender Room at the DJ Convention in Nashville and also lined up the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Radio Show. While we were in Fayetteville we recorded our first album, “Gospel Snake” in my Dad’s recording studio located there in Fayetteville. It was during this visit home that Elmo asked me to marry him.
Q. Did Patsy perform and sing on “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer?”
A. Yes. We first recorded “Grandma” in 1979. The recording we released was a 45 rpm . On the B side of this single was a song that I wrote called “Christmas”. Both songs were recorded at Mike Cogan’s studio in Berkeley, California. Gary Potterton played lead guitar and sang back up vocals, Doug Corrigan played drums and sang back up vocals, Elmo sang lead and I played rhythm guitar and bass and sang back up vocals.
Bill Trigg did the final master of the version of “Grandma” that went to the #1 spot on the Billboard Charts in 1983. It was during this time that we decided to do a Christmas album and went back into the studio. Even though we used studio musicians I played rhythm guitar, and sang both lead and back up vocals. When Epic released their single of “Grandma” they replaced Christmas” with “Percy The Puny Poinsettia”.
