DD Verni & The Cadillac Band, known for blending rock ‘n roll energy and concise songwriting with suave, swinging throwback aesthetics, have released a new video today for their festive single, “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas.” The high-energy track, taken from their current second album BUCKLE UP (2025), features a red-hot arrangement complete with searing guitar lines, a galloping rhythm, pumping horns, and infectious female backing vocals. The video combines vintage-inspired Claymation against live scenes filmed throughout Manhattan, capturing the spirit of NYC during the holidays.
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist DD Verni explained that a Christmas song was essential for their big band, ’50s rock sound. He was inspired after hearing his young niece perform the track, originally made famous by 10-year-old Gayla Peevy in 1953, and realized the potential for a “rockin’ big band version.” Verni enlisted Jim McMillen to create the horn arrangements, which, along with the extensive harmonies sung by Verni, Kingston, and Greystar, quickly “gelled together” into a fun holiday track. Verni described the video shoot, featuring their hippo mascot “Peevy,” as “a night of laughter and fun,” reflecting his love for the holidays and the unmatched atmosphere of Christmas in New York City.