Isn’t technology amazing? Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has been dead for almost 31 years, yet we will be able to enjoy a “new” Elvis album soon. Just as we saw Celine Dion “sing” with Elvis a couple of years ago on “American Idol,” we will now be able to purchase a Christmas duets album featuring Elvis and some country music stars, including a few who weren’t even born before he died.
The album, titled “Elvis Presley Christmas Duets,” will be released on October 14th. In his career, Elvis only recorded 20 different Christmas songs, yet he has sold over 25 million holiday albums. My personal favorite is Blue Christmas. In fact, the first holiday album Elvis released, “Elvis’ Christmas Album” from 1957, is the top selling holiday release of all time, having sales of 9 million so far.
I suppose due to that success, BMG and Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. decided to marry some of his classics with hit country artists. Who will you hear singing with Elvis on this album? It will feature an all female country cast including Carrie Underwood (singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”), Martina McBride (singing “Blue Christmas”), LeAnn Rimes (singing “Here Comes Santa Claus”), Gretchen Wilson (singing “Merry Christmas Baby”), Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, Amy Grant (singing “White Christmas”), and Anne Murray. This is the first duets album of Elvis music ever. Also featured on the album will be Elvis’ original backup group, the Jordanaires.
In a press release, the president of Sony BMG, John Ingrassia, said, “This is an excellent example of the innovative ways in which we keep Elvis’ catalog fresh for new and existing fans.” Priscilla Presley has said she is pleased with the artists chosen for the album and that “I am sure Elvis would be proud to have worked with them.”
While I think this sounds great, some fans have already expressed concern. Some are concerned that Elvis’ original recordings were good enough and should be left alone. However, some like Kathie Bryson, who belongs to the Elvis Memphis Style and TCB Elvis Style fan clubs, feels that if this album is done correctly, it can help preserve Elvis’ legend to future generations.
What do you think?