LOS ANGELES (AP) — All a cute, curly haired 10-year-old girl named Gayla Peevey wanted for Christmas in 1953 was a hippopotamus. And amazingly enough, after "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas" ...

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma -- Gayla Peevey had a big song on her hands when she was only 10 years old. "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" blew up as soon as it was released on Columbia Records. Peevey ...

When Gayla Peevey's catchy Christmas wish for a hippopotamus came true in 1953, she didn't need to test the lyrical theory that a two-car garage would have plenty of room to house her "hippo hero." ...

Gayla Peevey was just 10 years old when her unforgettable holiday anthem, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” became a national sensation in 1953. The song made Peevey a part of Oklahoma history.

Oklahoma City Zoo will unveil a new statue honoring Gayla Peavey, the local singer behind “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” and Matilda the hippo. This Thursday, the zoo will unveil a statue ...

It all started with a song. In 1953, 10-year-old Gayla Peevey recorded the holiday hit “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” unaware that her music would help bring a real hippo to the Oklahoma City ...

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Gayla Peevey, who sang the original version of "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas" in 1953. That song helped the Oklahoma City Zoo get its first hippo — and this past ...