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Blue Christmas / Doye O’Dell / 1948
Blue Christmas?
Most people think that this is an Elvis Presley song.
It’s not.
This song was first recorded by Doye O’Dell in 1948.
(Elvis was 13 at that time)
Elvis‘ was 22 when his version came out in 1957.
There were 8 recordings (Hits?) of Blue Christmas before his.
But now there are over 1000 recorded versions of Blue Christmas.
This not only makes it one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time,
but one the most popular modern SONGS of all time. Period.
WIKIPEDIA says:
“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. It is a tale of unrequited love during the holidays and is a longstanding staple of Christmas music,
especially in the country genre.
“Country”? I’d say this is one of those
songs that ‘Crosses Over’.
Everything.
There are many nice versions of Blue Christmas, but most don’t really do
anything special with the song and very few match up to Elvis.
Here’s a couple that I like though.
OK folks … hope this isn’t too early for ya.
Doye O’Dell was the first artist to record this Christmas standard. Doye had a long recording history from the 1930s to the 1980s and was still performing into his 80s. Doye replaced Tim Spencer in some later Sons of the Pioneer recordings and movie and personal appearances. Doye also had parts in many other TV shows and movies. He had his own TV variety shows that ran for many years on KTLA in Los Angeles and was a household name in California. Doye’s records are sought-after collector’s items today.
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That was a nice piece of music background information. Thanks! I’ve been mostly not feeling well and right now, it seems like everyone has something so at least I’m not alone in my misery. Why does this stuff all happen during the holidays?
Anyway, hope all is well with you and I hope it’s not still snowing!
Very sorry you aren’t feeling well. I’ve been wondering about getting more shots for flu and covid. Somebody said all the rich food during Holiday Season contributes to health issues. BUT we ain’t there yet.
I do Christmas a little less every year and I’m broke right now anyway. SOOO no presents this year. I tell everybody NO presents. All I care about is the family dinner. Amen. Hope You feel better soon!