Elvis Christmas Songs The King’s Musical Gift to the Holidays
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is not only known for his iconic music and electrifying performances, but also for his timeless Christmas songs. His renditions of classic holiday tunes have become synonymous with the festive season, bringing joy and cheer to millions worldwide.
From the soulful “Blue Christmas” to the exuberant “Santa Claus Is Back in Town,” Elvis’s Christmas songs continue to be a beloved part of the holiday tradition. In this article, we will explore the history and impact of Elvis’s Christmas songs, as well as some of his most popular and memorable performances.
Elvis Christmas Songs
Elvis Presley released his first Christmas album, simply titled “Elvis’ Christmas Album,” in 1957. It quickly became a best-seller and has since been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album features a mix of traditional Christmas carols and new holiday songs, all delivered with Elvis’s signature blend of power, soul, and warmth.
One of the standout tracks from the album is “Blue Christmas,” which has become a holiday staple and one of Elvis’s most recognizable songs. Originally recorded by Doye O’Dell in 1948, Elvis’s version brought a new level of emotion and depth to the song. With its melancholic lyrics and Elvis’s heartfelt delivery, “Blue Christmas” has become a favorite among fans and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Another fan-favorite from the album is “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” This upbeat and energetic track showcases Elvis’s rock and roll roots and has become a must-listen during the holiday season. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who also wrote other hits for Elvis such as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.”
In addition to his first Christmas album, Elvis released two more holiday albums during his lifetime: “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” in 1971 and “Elvis’ Christmas Peace” in 2003. Both albums feature a mix of traditional carols and new holiday songs, showcasing Elvis’s versatility as an artist.
Elvis Christmas Songs on YouTube
In the digital age, Elvis’s music has continued to reach new audiences through online platforms such as YouTube. His Christmas songs have amassed a massive following on the platform, with millions of views and countless covers by fans and other artists. Fans can easily access his classic performances, including his iconic 1968 Comeback Special, where he delivered a rousing rendition of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.”
Other popular videos on YouTube feature Elvis performing “Blue Christmas” with heartfelt emotion and his energetic take on “Winter Wonderland.” These videos not only showcase Elvis’s incredible talent and stage presence, but also capture the magic and joy of the holiday season.
List of Elvis Christmas Songs
To fully appreciate the impact of Elvis’s Christmas songs, let’s take a look at some of his most beloved holiday tracks:
| Song Title | Year Released |
|---|---|
| Blue Christmas | 1957 |
| Santa Claus Is Back in Town | 1957 |
| White Christmas | 1957 |
| Here Comes Santa Claus | 1957 |
| Silent Night | 1957 |
| I’ll Be Home for Christmas | 1957 |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem | 1957 |
| It’s Snowing, It’s Snowing | 1958 |
| Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) | 1958 |
| Merry Christmas Baby | 1958 |
| Silver Bells | 1958 |
| My Christmas Prayer | 1959 |
| Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful | 1959 |
| The First Noel | 1959 |
| It’s Christmas Time | 1963 |
| If Every Day Was Like Christmas | 1964 |
| Winter Wonderland | 1964 |
Elvis Christmas Songs in Hawaii
In addition to his iconic Christmas albums, Elvis also released a live album titled “Elvis: Christmas in Hawaii” in 1978. Recorded during his “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, the album features live performances of some of his most beloved holiday songs, as well as other hits from his career.
The album captures the festive atmosphere of the concert, with Elvis’s powerful vocals and energetic stage presence shining through. Some highlights include his soulful rendition of “Blue Christmas” and his lively performance of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” This album is a must-have for any Elvis fan and a great addition to any holiday music collection.
Elvis Christmas Songs Album
As mentioned earlier, Elvis released three Christmas albums during his lifetime. However, there have been numerous re-releases and compilations over the years, making it difficult to keep track of all the different versions. To help fans navigate through the various releases, here is a list of all the official Elvis Christmas albums:
- Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957)
- Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas (1971)
- Elvis: Christmas in Hawaii (1978)
- Elvis’ Christmas Peace (2003)
- Christmas Duets (2008)
- Merry Christmas… Love, Elvis (2014)
- Ultimate Christmas (2015)
Each album offers a unique listening experience, showcasing different aspects of Elvis’s talent and artistry. Whether you prefer the classic sound of his first Christmas album or the live energy of “Christmas in Hawaii,” there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Elvis Christmas Songs Live
One of the best ways to experience Elvis’s Christmas songs is through his live performances. His stage presence and charisma were unmatched, and his Christmas songs were no exception. From his early performances on television shows to his sold-out concerts in Las Vegas, Elvis always delivered unforgettable renditions of his holiday hits.
One of the most iconic live performances of Elvis’s Christmas songs is from his 1968 Comeback Special. This televised concert marked his return to live performances after a seven-year hiatus and featured a mix of his classic hits and new material. One of the standout moments of the special was when Elvis performed “Blue Christmas” with the help of a gospel choir, adding an extra layer of emotion to the song.
Another memorable live performance was during his “Aloha from Hawaii” concert in 1973. This concert was broadcasted worldwide via satellite, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in history. Elvis’s performance of “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” during this concert is a fan-favorite, with its energetic and rock-infused rendition.
Elvis Christmas Songs Karaoke
For those who want to sing along to Elvis’s Christmas songs, karaoke versions are readily available. Many karaoke bars and machines offer a selection of his holiday hits, allowing fans to channel their inner Elvis and spread some holiday cheer. Some popular karaoke versions include “Blue Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Back in Town,” and “White Christmas.”
Additionally, there are also online platforms where fans can access karaoke versions of Elvis’s Christmas songs, such as YouTube and karaoke apps. These options provide a fun and interactive way to enjoy his music and get into the holiday spirit.
Elvis Christmas Songs Lyrics
The lyrics of Elvis’s Christmas songs are just as important as his powerful vocals and dynamic performances. They capture the essence of the holiday season, with themes of love, joy, and hope. Whether you’re listening to his upbeat tracks or his more somber ballads, the lyrics of Elvis’s Christmas songs are sure to resonate with listeners.
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the lyrics, there are various resources available online, such as lyric websites and songbooks. These resources not only provide the lyrics but also offer insights into the meaning and inspiration behind each song.
Elvis Christmas Songs Silver Bells
One of the standout tracks from Elvis’s first Christmas album is “Silver Bells.” Originally written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans in 1950, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years. However, Elvis’s version stands out for its soulful and heartfelt delivery, making it a fan-favorite among his holiday songs.
The song captures the magic and excitement of the holiday season, with lyrics like “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks / Dressed in holiday style / In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.” It’s a perfect addition to any Christmas playlist and a must-listen during the holiday season.
Elvis Christmas Songs Chords
For musicians and aspiring musicians, learning to play Elvis’s Christmas songs on guitar or piano can be a fun and rewarding experience. Many online resources offer chord charts and tutorials for his holiday hits, making it easier for fans to learn and play along.
Some popular Elvis Christmas songs chords include:
- Blue Christmas: G, C, D
- Santa Claus Is Back in Town: A, D, E
- White Christmas: C, F, G
- Silent Night: G, C, D
- Winter Wonderland: C, F, G
With a little practice and dedication, fans can add these iconic songs to their repertoire and spread some holiday cheer through music.
Elvis Christmas Songs Video
In addition to his live performances, Elvis’s Christmas songs have also been immortalized through music videos. These videos capture the energy and spirit of his live performances, allowing fans to experience them even if they were not able to attend in person.
One of the most iconic music videos is for “Blue Christmas,” which features Elvis performing the song with a gospel choir. The video showcases his powerful vocals and stage presence, as well as the festive atmosphere of the performance.
Another popular video is for “Santa Claus Is Back in Town,” which features Elvis performing the song on stage with his band. This video captures the energy and excitement of his live performances, with fans dancing and singing along to the holiday hit.
Elvis Christmas Songs Play
For those who want to experience Elvis’s Christmas songs in a different way, there have been various stage productions and plays that feature his holiday hits. One notable example is the musical “Elvis’ Christmas Special,” which premiered in 2019 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The show featured a live orchestra and a cast of talented performers, bringing Elvis’s Christmas songs to life on stage.
Additionally, many community theaters and schools also put on Christmas productions that feature Elvis’s music, such as “A Very Merry Elvis Christmas” and “Elvis and the Blue Christmas Tree.” These productions not only showcase the timeless appeal of Elvis’s music but also bring communities together during the holiday season.
Elvis Christmas Songs Silent Night
One of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time, “Silent Night” has been covered by countless artists over the years. Elvis’s version, recorded for his first Christmas album, is a standout among these covers. His soulful and heartfelt delivery of the song captures the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.
The lyrics of “Silent Night” are simple yet powerful, with lines like “All is calm, all is bright / Round yon virgin mother and child / Holy infant so tender and mild.” It’s a beautiful reminder of the peace and joy that the holiday season brings.
Elvis Christmas Songs 2023
As we look towards the future, it’s safe to say that Elvis’s Christmas songs will continue to be a beloved part of the holiday tradition. With their timeless appeal and universal themes, these songs will be enjoyed by generations to come.
In 2023, it will mark the 50th anniversary of Elvis’s passing, but his music and legacy will live on through his Christmas songs. Fans can look forward to special events and releases to commemorate this milestone, as well as continued appreciation for the King’s musical gift to the holidays.
Elvis Christmas Songs Original
While many artists have covered Elvis’s Christmas songs over the years, there is nothing quite like the original versions recorded by the King himself. His powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and heartfelt delivery make his versions stand out among the rest.
For those who want to experience the magic of Elvis’s Christmas songs, listening to the original recordings is a must. They capture the essence of the holiday season and showcase the talent and artistry of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s Christmas songs have become an integral part of the holiday season, bringing joy and cheer to millions worldwide. From his iconic performances to his soulful and heartfelt renditions of classic holiday tunes, Elvis’s music continues to touch the hearts of fans and spread the spirit of Christmas.
With numerous albums, live performances, and covers, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy Elvis’s Christmas songs. Whether you’re listening to them on YouTube, singing along at a karaoke bar, or watching a stage production, his music will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans and remain a timeless gift to the holidays.
