"Blue Christmas" is one of the all-time holiday classics each year during Christmas time. The heartbreaking song about unrequited love perfectly captures how lonely the season can be without the one you love, which is probably why it's been a staple for over 70 years. Though the beloved tune is now most frequently associated with Elvis Presley, it was originally recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948. Show According to Classic Country Music Stories, songwriter Jay W. Johnson first wrote the song on his commuter train from his home in Connecticut to New York City. He had been working writing jingles for the radio and was inspired by some of the other hit Christmas songs at the time like "White Christmas" which blew up thanks to Bing Crosby. He took his lyrics to his composer friend Billy Hayes and together they put the finishing touches on the song. But initially, no one was interested in recording the song when it was offered to various artists around Nashville. Read More: 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer': The Story Behind the Song Country artist Ernest Tubb recorded the song after O'Dell and his version ended up hitting number one on the Billboard chart in January 1950. Throughout the '50s, Tubb helped popularize the song and generated interest among other country artists to cover the song. But when the King came around in 1957, he would put his own spin on "Blue Christmas" that would forever associate him with the holiday tune. What's interesting is he reportedly didn't even want to record it at the time. According to backup singer Millie Kirkham, when they first entered the studio to record the song, Elvis said "Let's just get this over with." Kirkham added at an interview at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that everyone in the recording, including backup singers The Jordanaires and guitarist Scotty Moore, felt the same way and didn't believe the studio would actually release the song. But the rock and roll version of the country Christmas song became a major hit on Elvis's first Christmas EP, Elvis Sings Christmas Songs, along with other classics -- "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)," "Santa Claus Is Back in Town," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." It has since been covered by some of the greatest musical acts across all genres from The Beach Boys to Martina McBride. "Blue Christmas" LyricsI'll have a blue Christmas without you And when those blue snowflakes start falling You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white, Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Related VideosIt’s officially the holidays according to the 24/7 Christmas radio station playing all your favorites. From the classics to the new pop versions, Christmas songs will always bring a special seasonal cheer to everyone that listens, and with it, there are certain songs that bring you back to the first time you heard them. Do you remember where you were when you heard Elvis’ Christmas album? You can’t help falling in love with the King and his wildly popular Christmas classic, Blue Christmas. But did you know that Elvis Presley’s version of Blue Christmas is actually a cover of the original 1948’s recording by Doye O’Dell? Yes! The song, originally written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson, is a story about love and longing on Christmas. Take a look at the Blue Christmas lyrics here:
It wasn’t until September 5, 1957, in a recording studio in Hollywood, California that the King added his own country music and rock and roll twist to the Christmas classic. His version of the song was notable for adding in the vocal group The Jordanaires to back him up, with Millie Kirkham taking on the soprano lines. The single was included on the 1957 45 EP, Elvis Sings Christmas Songs which included the songs, “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)”, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Watch as the King himself sings his heart out to thousands of fans in Kansas City, just seven weeks before his death. This performance marks the last time he would sing one of his popular Christmas hits.
This post was originally published on December 23, 2019. Watch: Who remembers ceramic Christmas trees?What Christmas songs did Elvis Presley record?Track listing. What is Elvis's most famous Christmas song?"Blue Christmas" is a Christmas song written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and most famously performed by Elvis Presley; it was first recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948.
Did Elvis write any Christmas songs?4- Elvis Presley – White Christmas
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, With every Christmas card I write, “May your days be merry and bright, And may all your Christmases be white”.
What is the sad Christmas song sung by Elvis Presley?Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
Presley's suave vocals aren't a distraction from how depressed he is, spending Christmas without his person.
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Elvis presley blue christmas other recordings of this song
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