Chris Janson takes you behind the scenes of recording 'Christmas in Dixie' with Alabama

Having been a fan of “Christmas in Dixie” for years, Chris Janson has long dreamed of covering and releasing his version one day. Thankfully for him, that moment arrived this year, and not only that, but he got to sing it with the “Christmas in Dixie” hitmakers, Alabama. Detailing the idea and recording process of his latest holiday release, Chris tells ABC Audio, “I just wanted to record a new Christmas song. I do one a year, and I love [’Christmas in Dixie’] and I’ve always wanted to do that one and finally did it.” “So, I cut it and then we were trick-or-treating with the kids and, I don’t know, it just hit me and I said, ‘I’m going to call [Alabama’s] Randy [Owen] and see if he’d join me on it,’” Chris recalls. “He was so cool and called [bandmate] Teddy [Gentry] and called me back ... five minutes later and said, ‘We’re in,’” Chris shares. “That was on Friday night. We recorded on Monday and shot a video.” Chris’ rendition of the country Christmas classic is one he calls “a true duet.” “It really is,” says Chris. “We trade off back and forth and then we harmonized together and I take a three-part and it’s just unbelievable.”

Chris and Alabama's "Christmas in Dixie" is out now wherever you listen to music. Meanwhile, Chris continues to climb the country charts with his latest single, "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get."