We rank 20 Versions of ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’

11. Rod Stewart & Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a country superstar and Rod Stewart is one of the best singers of his generation. Here the two join forces on Stewart’s album of duets Stardust…The Great American Songbook III. The use of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” on this album just speaks to the song’s power and place in musical history. It appears alongside “Blue Moon” and “What a Wonderful World” rather than on Stewart’s Christmas album, because it is known for being a great song for two, especially when you have a partner like Parton.

Stewart and Parton are playful in their performance of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. Parton really acts up her part with an almost theatrical tone. You can almost hear the wink in her voice as she rebuffs his advances. She obviously doesn’t want to leave, but is enjoying the chase nevertheless.

Stewart is also playing his part by giving her plenty of reasons to stay. He croons over a piano, as he does best. There are other instruments accompanying the track, but the vocals really are front and center here. It’s a simple, but effective version that gives you the same feeling as a cup of hot chocolate and a roaring fire.