Introduction

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley is an iconic holiday song that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. This timeless classic, originally released in 1957, continues to be a cherished part of our Christmas celebrations. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the song and the artist, along with some fascinating facts you might not know about Elvis and his rendition of “Blue Christmas.”

Did You Know?

1. Elvis Presley’s Christmas Album

“Blue Christmas” is part of Elvis Presley’s first Christmas album, simply titled “Elvis’ Christmas Album.” This album has stood the test of time and is one of the best-selling Christmas records of all time, showcasing Presley’s versatile vocal range and emotional depth.

2. The Song’s Remarkable Success

Elvis’ rendition of “Blue Christmas” is a perennial favorite during the holiday season. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to receive airplay during Christmas, making it a song that transcends generations.

3. Elvis’ Influence on Christmas Music

Elvis’ Christmas music has had a lasting impact on the holiday music genre. His unique blend of rock and blues with traditional Christmas tunes brought a fresh and exciting sound to the holiday season, setting a precedent for future artists to experiment with the festive sound.

4. Recording in Nashville

“Blue Christmas” was recorded in Nashville in 1957, and it features Elvis Presley’s distinct voice backed by the Jordanaires, a prominent gospel quartet. This collaboration contributed to the song’s remarkable harmony and memorable quality.

5. Iconic Live Performances

Elvis often performed “Blue Christmas” during his live concerts, making it a highlight of his Christmas shows. His energetic and heartfelt renditions of the song showcased his passion for both the music and the holiday season.

Video

Lyrics: Blue Christmas 

I’ll have a blue Christmas without you
I’ll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on our green Christmas tree
Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with meAnd when those blue snowflakes start fallin’
That’s when those blue memories start callin’
You’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue, blue, blue, blue ChristmasYou’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?