Elvis Presley’s Graceland has announced the third release in the Graceland Vinyl Collection. The new, limited-edition 10” vinyl features two of Elvis’ most iconic holiday classics, “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Back in Town” and is now available for pre-order exclusively at ShopGraceland.com.
Custom-pressed on stunning blue vinyl, these two tracks capture the spirit of 1957 – a year that gave us Elvis’ first holiday album, his first Christmas at Graceland, and a musical legacy that still echoes every December.
“Blue Christmas” is one of Elvis’ most iconic holiday songs. Written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and first recorded in 1948, the song became iconic when Elvis gave it his signature sound – complete with Millie Kirkham’s backing vocals and The Jordanaires’ classic harmonies. Although part of his 1957 Christmas album, the track wasn’t released as a single until 1964, when it became a hit. Its performance in the 1968 “Comeback Special” remains the only known video footage of Elvis singing a Christmas song.
The flip side, “Santa Claus is Back in Town,” was written for Elvis by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and introduced a cool, bluesy edge to holiday music that was unmistakably Elvis.
The Graceland Vinyl Collection offers Elvis’ legendary recordings in a limited-edition 10″ vinyl, with each release featuring newly designed jackets and record sleeves, making them truly unique. Previous releases include “That’s All Right,” which sold out during pre-order; and “Stuck on You,” commemorating the 65th anniversary of Elvis’ triumphant return to the spotlight after two years of service in the U.S. Army.
“Blue Christmas” is available now for pre-order on ShopGraceland.com and will ship in early November. The collector’s edition vinyl single will also be available for purchase on-site at Graceland in November, pending availability.