Elvis Presley, Martina McBride - Blue Christmas

[MustLoveBeagles]

[Skittles]

1. good lawd

Elvis was impossibly good-looking

[MustLoveBeagles]

2. I agree

He was at his peak of attractiveness during this period. Loved the black leather.

[appalachiablue]

3. Beat me to it, but glad to see it's posted. This was

his big 'comeback' tour I think, sounding and looking terrific.

In summer 1974, I saw Elvis in concert and am so glad. He sang well and looked great in a white outfit with turquoise scarves he was handing out to the audience, mostly women who were thrilled of course.

After walking around the halls of the main theater, 2 guards I asked let me go up some stairs to get a closer view. Then I looked right down on him performing on stage for 40 mins.- fantastic!

[MustLoveBeagles]

6. Seeing him live must been an experience of a lifetime

Back in the 80's mom's boyfriend rented the a VHS tap of the special. I liked him before but didn't see what the fuss was about. After watching the special I got it. As you said he sounded and looked great. Sad that a mere decade after this was done he was gone.

[appalachiablue]

11. At the time I just thought it would be fun to go

but when older I truly realize how lucky I was to see him perform, not knowing he would die 3 years later, way too young. I mentioned the concert to 2 people but they weren't interested in going, their loss. So I went on my own and am so glad I did.

Back then I was into rock mostly but still knew he was great and special, and had listened to him as a little kid.

When people make fun of Elvis, particularly the way he declined and how he died it makes me angry.

I've read some about his life, am not an expert but know he was a genuine breakthrough original. And sadly exploited by his manager like some other artists who were young and inexperienced in financial matters.

PS Like you watching the VHS tape, I get into things later too. Others as well I'm sure.

[MustLoveBeagles]

12. I don't like people mocking his death either

I find the circumstances of it very sad. His passing was the first celerity death I was aware of. I remember all the limousines in the TV coverage. I was 5 when he died.

[thucythucy]

4. Another Christmas fave from the King:

[MustLoveBeagles]

7. Sounds like a Blues song

I don't think I've ever heard this on the radio. Thanks for posting.

[thucythucy]

9. It was orginally banned from radio play

when it was released in the 1950s.

The last verse was considered suggestive, which it is, but also (I think) very funny:

"Hang up your pretty stockings
turn out the light
Santa Claus is coming
down your chimney tonight..."

It was written by Lieber and Stoller during the recording sessions for the 1957 Elvis Christmas Album. They needed one more tune, and came up with this.

I love the singing, and the piano solo, and the Jordinaires--really I love everything about this song!

If you're an Elvis fan, have you heard his Memphis albums, recorded in 1969? Amazing music, which makes all the time he wasted on those dreadful soundtrack albums just so sad.

Best wishes--

[empedocles]

5. Amazing how well it turned out, with the simplest help. Drummer on guitar case.

Great voice helps.

TY

[MustLoveBeagles]

8. You're welcome

[empedocles]

10. Remarkable star power and charisma. Seems to compare well across stars of his era - and

stars across the eras and generations, before and since.

TY again.