Introduction:
Ah, Blue Christmas, a perennial holiday classic given a truly unique spin with a duet between the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, and the reigning queen of country twang, Martina McBride. This unexpected pairing, released though not officially confirmed to have a specific year, has become a beloved addition to Christmas playlists for fans of both genres.
Elvis Presley, of course, needs no introduction. His iconic career, that explosive blend of rockabilly, blues, and gospel, took the world by storm in the mid-1950s. His 1957 release, Elvis’ Christmas Album, became a massive commercial success, forever cementing his place in holiday music history with his rendition of Blue Christmas. Presley’s version is a masterclass in melancholic charm, his voice both powerful and vulnerable as he croons about a love lost during the festive season. The song’s success solidified the idea of a “blue Christmas,” a feeling of loneliness and longing that can linger even amidst the cheer.
Martina McBride, on the other hand, rose to fame in the 1990s with her powerful vocals and emotionally charged country ballads. She quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. McBride’s interpretation of Christmas music leans towards the sentimental and heartfelt, a perfect complement to the emotional core of Blue Christmas.
So, what happens when you bring these two titans of American music together? Magic, pure and simple. Blue Christmas takes on a whole new dimension with their duet. Presley’s iconic rockabilly swagger gets a touch of country twang thanks to McBride’s smooth, soulful delivery. Her voice acts as a comforting counterpoint to his yearning, creating a beautiful tapestry of emotions.
The production of the song is equally noteworthy. It walks a careful line between honoring Presley’s original arrangement and incorporating elements that showcase McBride’s strengths. The instrumentation is tasteful and understated, allowing the vocals to take center stage. There’s a touch of gospel influence in the backing harmonies, adding a layer of warmth and hopefulness that counterbalances the song’s inherent melancholy.
Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley and Martina McBride is more than just a duet; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music. It transcends genre and generation, reminding us that the feelings of loneliness and longing during the holidays are universal. Yet, through the beauty of their voices and the skillful production, the song also offers a glimmer of hope, a reminder that even the bluest Christmas can hold a spark of joy.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Blue Christmas”
(from “Elvis (NBC TV Special)” soundtrack)
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 Christmas
You’ll be doin’ all right, with your Christmas of white
But I’ll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas