Introduction
“Blue Christmas” is a classic holiday song that has become synonymous with the festive season, particularly through Elvis Presley’s iconic 1957 rendition. The song was originally written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson in 1948. According to some accounts, Johnson penned the lyrics during his commute from Connecticut to New York City, inspired by the success of other seasonal hits like “White Christmas” .Omny Studio+7Wikipedia+7Wikipedia, l’enciclopedia libera+7Wide Open Country
The first recording of “Blue Christmas” was by country singer Doye O’Dell in 1948 . The following year, multiple artists, including Ernest Tubb, Hugo Winterhalter, and Russ Morgan, released their versions, each achieving varying degrees of success. Tubb’s rendition notably reached number one on Billboard’s Most Played Juke Box (Country & Western) Records chart in January 1950 .Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+5Omny Studio+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+3Wikipedia+3Elvis SongPedia+3Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Elvis Presley recorded his version of “Blue Christmas” on September 5, 1957, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, California. This session was part of the recording for his “Elvis’ Christmas Album,” which has since become the best-selling Christmas album in the United States, with over 10 million copies sold . Presley’s interpretation featured his signature vocal style, accompanied by the harmonious backing of the Jordanaires and the distinctive high soprano of Millie Kirkham .Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Interestingly, during the recording session, Presley and his band initially approached the song with a lighthearted, almost joking demeanor. However, the producer recognized the potential of this unique style and encouraged them to maintain that approach, resulting in the memorable version we know today .
Upon its release, Presley’s “Blue Christmas” received widespread acclaim and has since become a perennial holiday favorite. Its melancholic lyrics, juxtaposed with a catchy melody, capture the bittersweet emotions that can accompany the holiday season. The song’s enduring popularity is evident, as it continues to chart during the holiday season, even decades after its initial release .Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Presley revisited “Blue Christmas” during his 1968 televised “Comeback Special,” delivering a live performance that further cemented the song’s association with his legacy. This rendition showcased his ability to connect with audiences, blending heartfelt emotion with his charismatic stage presence .Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Over the years, “Blue Christmas” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including The Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, and Celine Dion, each bringing their unique interpretation to the classic . Nevertheless, Elvis Presley’s version remains the definitive rendition, embodying the soulful essence of the holiday season.Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie
For those interested in experiencing this timeless classic, here is Elvis Presley’s official recording of “Blue Christmas”:
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