Elvis Christmas Special Songs: A Scotty Moore Look Back at the King’s Yuletide Rock

Well folks, Scotty Moore here. Stepped right out of the echoes of Sun Records and into this… internet contraption. They tell me it’s how folks listen to music now, learn about their heroes. Speaking of heroes, yours truly had a front-row seat to the King himself, especially when the holidays rolled around. And that’s what brings me here to “Welcome Shock Naue” – to talk about Elvis Christmas Special Songs. It wasn’t just tinsel and carols when Elvis hit the stage for Christmas, believe me. It was rock and roll with a Santa hat, and it was something special.

What Made Elvis’s Christmas Specials So Electrifying?

You gotta understand, by the time Elvis was doing those Christmas specials, he was already… Elvis. But he wasn’t just going through the motions. Christmas with Elvis, whether on record or TV, was a chance to show different sides of himself. It wasn’t just about the jingle bells; it was about soul, it was about gospel, and yeah, it was still about that raw rock and roll energy that got us all started. He poured himself into those performances, and the songs he chose for his Christmas specials – well, they weren’t your grandma’s carols, though he could sing those beautifully too. They were Elvis carols.

“Elvis always had that knack for taking a song, any song, and making it his own. Christmas tunes were no different. He’d find the heart of it, the soul, and let it rip.” – Jerry Hopkins, Elvis Biographer

“Blue Christmas”: The King’s Melancholy Yuletide Masterpiece

Now, if you’re talking Elvis and Christmas, you gotta talk about “Blue Christmas.” This wasn’t some upbeat, happy-go-lucky tune. “Blue Christmas” was heartache wrapped in holiday bells. And Elvis, bless his heart, he could sing heartache like nobody’s business. It became a staple, not just of his Christmas repertoire, but of his entire career. It’s on countless Christmas playlists even today. Why? Because it’s real. Christmas ain’t always holly and jolly for everyone, and Elvis understood that. He could tap into that loneliness, that yearning, and make you feel it right alongside him. And that guitar work on “Blue Christmas Guitar”? Simple, but perfect for the mood.

Did you know that “Blue Christmas” wasn’t originally an Elvis song? Yeah, it was written and recorded by Doye O’Dell back in the late ‘40s, then popularized by Ernest Tubb. But when Elvis got his hands on it, especially for his ’68 Comeback Special, it took on a whole new life. It became the Elvis “Blue Christmas,” the one everyone remembers.

Beyond “Blue Christmas”: Unpacking Elvis’s Christmas Songbook

But Elvis’s Christmas specials were so much more than just “Blue Christmas.” He wasn’t afraid to mix it up. You’d get your classic carols, sure, sung with that Elvis warmth, but then he’d throw in something unexpected, something with a little more grit, a little more soul.

Think about songs like “Santa Claus Is Back In Town.” Now that’s a Christmas song with a swagger! It’s bluesy, it’s got that rock and roll edge, and Elvis just owns it. It’s not your typical Santa song, that’s for sure. It’s Santa with a side of rockabilly, and it’s pure Elvis magic. This track really showcases Elvis’s ability to blend genres, taking the familiar themes of Christmas and injecting them with his signature sound.

And let’s not forget the gospel influence. Elvis grew up singing gospel, and that deep faith always shone through, especially around Christmas. Songs like “Peace in the Valley” or “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” weren’t just holiday songs; they were expressions of something deeper, something spiritual. They added a layer of sincerity and emotion to his Christmas specials that really resonated with folks.

The 1968 Comeback Special: A Christmas Miracle for Rock and Roll

Speaking of specials, the ’68 Comeback Special… man, that was something else. It wasn’t strictly a Christmas special, not in the traditional sense. But it aired in December, had Christmas themes woven through it, and it was a rebirth for Elvis. After years in Hollywood, making movies that… well, let’s just say they weren’t all musical masterpieces, Elvis was back. And he was back with a vengeance.

The ’68 Special was raw, it was powerful, and it showed the world that Elvis was still the King. And those Christmas songs he included? They weren’t just tacked on; they were part of the whole vibe. “Blue Christmas” was there, of course, in that iconic sit-down performance. But even songs that weren’t explicitly Christmas songs, like some of those powerful elvis 1968 comeback songs, had a feeling of hope and renewal that fit right in with the Christmas spirit. It was a special that proved Elvis was far from over; in fact, he was just getting started again.

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“The ’68 Comeback Special wasn’t just a TV show; it was a cultural reset. Elvis reminded everyone why he was the King, and the Christmas songs within it added a layer of warmth and humanity to his powerful performance.” – Peter Guralnick, Elvis Historian

Why Do Elvis’s Christmas Songs Still Resonate Today?

Decades later, why are folks still tuning into Elvis’s Christmas songs? Why are they still part of the holiday soundtrack? I think it’s because they’re genuine. Elvis wasn’t just singing notes; he was pouring his heart into those songs. He wasn’t afraid to show vulnerability in “Blue Christmas”, or joy in “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”, or faith in those gospel numbers. He made those Christmas songs real.

And musically, they’re just fantastic. The arrangements, the band, Elvis’s voice… it’s a combination that’s hard to beat. Whether it’s the rockabilly twang of “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)” or the soulful ache of “Blue Christmas,” there’s a depth and quality to Elvis’s Christmas music that stands the test of time. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist Elvis in a Santa hat?

For those looking to dive deeper, you can explore more of Elvis’s diverse musical styles, including his heartfelt elvis presley blues songs, which share that same emotional depth found in his Christmas ballads. It’s all connected, you see – the blues, the rock and roll, the gospel, and even the Christmas spirit, all flowing through Elvis.

Keeping the Yuletide Rock Alive for New Generations

Here at “Welcome Shock Naue,” we’re all about keeping that Elvis flame burning bright for new generations. And that includes his Christmas music. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s about introducing folks to music that’s timeless, music that’s got soul, music that rocks even when it’s jingling bells.

So this Christmas, when you’re putting together your holiday playlist, make sure you throw in some Elvis. Go beyond the usual carols and dig into the King’s Christmas songbook. You’ll find heartache, you’ll find joy, you’ll find gospel, you’ll find rock and roll… you’ll find Elvis, in all his Christmas glory. And trust me, that’s a Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

And if you’re in the mood for more Elvis after all that festive cheer, maybe check out lonely man elvis presley – sometimes even the King felt a little blue, especially around the holidays. But hey, that’s what makes his music so relatable, right?

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Elvis Christmas Special Songs

1. What was Elvis’s most famous Christmas song from his specials?
“Blue Christmas” is undoubtedly the most iconic Elvis Christmas song from his specials. Especially his performance of it in the ’68 Comeback Special, it’s become synonymous with Elvis and Christmas. It captures a different side of the holiday, the melancholic side, which resonated deeply with audiences.

2. Did Elvis perform only Christmas songs in his Christmas specials?
No, Elvis’s Christmas specials weren’t exclusively Christmas songs. The ’68 Comeback Special, for example, was a broad showcase of his rock and roll, blues, and gospel styles, with Christmas themes and songs integrated throughout, particularly in the sit-down segments. This blend made his specials unique and more than just traditional holiday fare.

3. Which Christmas special is considered Elvis’s best?
While opinions vary, the ’68 Comeback Special is widely considered Elvis’s best Christmas-adjacent special. It revitalized his career and featured powerful performances of both Christmas and non-Christmas songs. It’s a landmark television event that showcased Elvis at his raw and energetic best.

4. Where can I watch Elvis’s Christmas specials today?
Elvis’s ’68 Comeback Special is readily available on DVD, Blu-ray, and various streaming services. Other Christmas-themed TV appearances and performances can often be found on platforms like YouTube and through Elvis fan sites and archives. Check your favorite video streaming services for “Elvis Christmas Special” or “Elvis 1968 Comeback Special.”

5. Did Elvis write any of his Christmas songs?
Elvis didn’t write his Christmas songs. He was primarily an interpreter of songs, and he had an incredible talent for making any song his own. His Christmas songs were written by various songwriters, but Elvis’s unique vocal style and emotional delivery transformed them into Elvis classics.

6. What makes Elvis’s version of “Blue Christmas” so special compared to others?
Elvis’s version of “Blue Christmas” is special because of his deeply emotional and soulful delivery. He brought a vulnerability and sincerity to the song that resonated with listeners. Combined with the iconic arrangement and his performance in the ’68 Comeback Special, it became the definitive version.

7. Besides “Blue Christmas,” what other Christmas songs did Elvis frequently perform?
Besides “Blue Christmas,” Elvis frequently performed “Santa Claus Is Back In Town,” “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane),” “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me),” and gospel-infused Christmas songs like “Peace in the Valley” and “If I Can Dream” (though “If I Can Dream” is not strictly a Christmas song, it often features in holiday collections).

8. How did Elvis blend rock and roll with Christmas music?
Elvis blended rock and roll with Christmas music by infusing traditional Christmas themes and songs with his signature rockabilly, blues, and gospel styles. He brought a raw energy and soulful delivery to carols and created original Christmas songs with a rock and roll edge, like “Santa Claus Is Back In Town.” This fusion created a unique and exciting sound that was distinctly Elvis.

9. Are Elvis’s Christmas albums and specials still popular?
Yes, Elvis’s Christmas albums and specials remain incredibly popular. They are holiday staples for many families and continue to be discovered by new generations of fans. His Christmas music is timeless and continues to sell and stream actively every holiday season, proving his enduring appeal.

So there you have it, folks. A little trip down memory lane with Elvis and his Christmas magic. Keep that rock and roll spirit alive, even when the snow’s falling and the bells are ringing! Scotty Moore, signing off for now from “Welcome Shock Naue.” Merry Christmas, and rock on!