Elvis’ Christmas Album was released in October of 1957 and spent four weeks at number one. As of a couple of years ago it remained the best selling holiday album of all time. Even my grandfather liked this album, which was rare since he did not like Elvis, Christmas or any music released after 1949. He was one of the 9 million people who purchased the LP. I dust it off every December as it remains one of my two or three favorite Christmas albums.

Elvis’ Christmas Album can be divided into three parts. The first side of the original LP contained six secular Christmas songs. Two traditional carols began side two, and were followed by four gospel songs which were taken from a previously released EP. The EP or extra play single was a 45 rpm size record that contained 4-6 songs. It also came in a cardboard jacket that was similar to an LP. This form never really caught on in the United States although Elvis did reach the top ten with a number of these releases. This format was very popular in Great Britain and Europe as they cost less than a complete album.  

This was a very controversial album at the time of its release. The thought of Elvis swiveling his hips to Christmas songs was more than many people could stand. Even Irvin Berlin requested that radio stations not play this album and particularly his song “White Christmas.” 

All of this uproar was unnecessary as Elvis was always respectful to gospel and religious music. These two types of music would eventually form an important part of the Elvis legacy. Even in the latter part of his life when he was just going through the motions many times, he would always mean it and be sincere when it came to his sacred music releases.

“Santa Claus Is Back In Town” was written especially for this album by the great songwriting team of Leiber and Stroller. It was just about a perfect song for Elvis who takes it in a somewhat blues direction. The song remains a secular Christmas classic.

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