Elvis Presley’s famous holiday song, Blue Christmas dates back to 1957 when Russ Morgan, Hugo Winterhalter and Ernest Tubb also had hits with the song. Elvis recorded his slightly different “bluesy” pardon the pun, version at Radio Recorders in September 1957 with the Jordonaires singing back-up. The song was a part of Elvis’s Christmas album that year, but it wasn’t released as a single until 1964, seven years later. The Beach Boys also released a version of Blue Christmas in 1964. Their record made it to #3 on the charts, but The King’s rendition became a Christmas classic, shooting straight to the top as number one, even amid the British Invasion and changing tastes in music. To this day, Elvis Presley’s version of Blue Christmas continues to top the Christmas music charts.
I’ve always been fascinated with Elvis Presley. I have seen every movie he’s ever made and many of them, numerous times. I’ve seen him live in concert in Las Vegas in Lake Tahoe, where we were honeymooning, no less. And my running joke was that going to the Elvis concert was the Highlight of my honeymoon. Thankfully, dear hubby didn’t take offense. So when the Fillies decided on sharing holiday songs and their history for our Special Holiday Week, I knew Blue Christmas was just for me! (And you!) Here are the short lyrics and to make life even more grand, tune in to Elvis’s YouTube performance!
I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you
I’ll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me
And when those blue snowflakes start falling
Thats when those blue memories start calling
Youll be doing all right with your Christmas of white
But Ill have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas
You’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white,
But I’ll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas
Be sure to enter THE COWBOY’S PRIDE Contest on my Win Stuff page at www.charlenesands.com
Have a great holiday!!
Charlene
Charlene Sands is a USA Today Bestselling Author of 35 novels, writing both western and contemporary romance. She's a lover of all things romantic, especially her bold, rugged, heartstopping "real good men" heroes! She's the recepient of the National Readers' Choice Award, the Bookseller's Best Award and the Cataromance Reviwer's Choice Award. When not writing, she spends time with her "hero" husband, enjoying Pacific Beaches and drinking iced mocha cappucinos!
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All I can say “Who didn’t just love Elvis.” The way he would shake his hips on stage and his most beautiful voice that would make you melt. The saddest part is that yes “Elvis Has Left The Building.” I still can’t believe that people are still writing books that he is still alive. I know we all wish he was, but he is not. Happy New Year Everyone.
Ah, Elvis. No one could belt out a ballad like he could. What a treasure he left behind.
Thanks for sharing, Charlene, and Happy New Year!
This blog is the icing on our Filly Christmas cake, Charlene. Elvis was the greatest.
Have a Happy New Year to all.
I was such a huge Elvis fan. He was just the MOST beautiful man who ever lived. I still feel bad he got so crazy.
I’d like to go re-watch all his movies right now!!!
Cheryl E
I totally agree My parents thought HE was wild until the Beatlrs came on the scene. After that ,then they really started to like Elvis. Happy new year,!!
Hi Elizabeth.
Thanks. I think Elvis is the topping too. There is no one else like him. Ever!
happy new year Margaret. I never have stopped watching his movies. But his music is what will live on!
Hi Mary.
you were as big a fan as I was. do you ever wonder what he would be like now had he lived? happy New Year!
I spend serious time:
Wishing he’d’ve been better to Pricilla so their marriage had survived.
Wishing his twin brother would have lived so he would have that close, lifelong companion.
Wishing he’d magically turn young again.
Wishing there was more film of his Elvis the Pelvis singing style…you know there is only one very short clip of him dancing? It was considered obscene and no one would film him doing it.
Look at his eyes? Those lashes! He had it all, the looks, the talent, the smile, the vulnerability that made you want to take care of him.
Yes, clearly but I’ve spent a bit too much time thinking about this.
So glad you chose this song, Charlene! I love Elvis. Unfortunately, I was born too late to join the Elvis craze, but I have tons of his music on my MP3 and thanks to TNT and AMC I was able to see all his movies. He’s truly timeless.
Wonderful post, Charlene. Elvis is a legend. I saw him perform–white jump suit and all–about a year before he died. What a performer!
Elvis was my first love, always wanted to grow and marry him one day… His Blue Christmas came out the same year I was born.. I think it was an omen that he would be my all time fav singer. Can’t listen to it without getting a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
PS. Read your book The Cowboys Pride and I loved it…
Happy New Year…all the best for 2012
Charlene, this is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. And I love to hear my man Elvis singing it. I’m worse than a teenager when it comes to Elvis. He was and still is very special. His voice was so unique.
Like Kathleen, I just finished reading The Cowboy’s Pride and I think it’s your best yet. Clay and Trish’s love just couldn’t be denied. And the way Clay was taken with that baby made my heart melt. It’s so sexy for a man to make fools of themselves over a baby. Great job! I’m recommending this to everyone I know who loves romance.
Hope you have a wonderful New Year’s celebration!
No one can sing that song like Elvis. Also love his gospel recordings – they give me goosebumps.
Love all your books Charlene! Happy New Year!
I was never a big Elvis fan and for the funniest reason. It all goes back to the night he was on the Ed Sullivan Show and sang YOU AIN’T NOTHING BUT A HOUND DOG. I remember there was a sad looking hound (basset, I think) that he sang it to. I thought it was so mean. The mind of a 6th grader. Anyway, even though I didn’t “like” him, I did like his singing. I hadn’t realized anyone else had recorded BLUE CHRISTMAS back then. His version really is the benchmark that others are measured by.
Everyone needs to hop over to your site and enter the contest for THE COWBOY’S PRIDE. Better yet go out and buy it. A book well worth reading. Two people who forget why they got together in the first place and let things get in the way of their life together. Likable characters who you will want to work things out.
Hi Mary, Patricia, Vicki, Linda, Kathleen, Kristen and Lori – I was away all day, and off the computer mostly. Thanks to all of you for your insightful posts about Elvis. It warmed my heart that so many of you loved him too.
And thank you for the kindest words about The Cowboy’s Pride. It was one of those books that was hard getting off the ground…a real struggle to get it right… and so your praise makes it all the more special.
Happy New Year!!
Sorry to get here late, Charlene. I’ve been so looking forward to this post. Elvis is indeed the best. We too tried to see him in Vegas on our honeymoon, but waited too long. Boo hoo. Blue Hawaii is my favorite movie of his. Happy new year!