Evis Christmas Pharmacopeia - Songs, Speeches, Bootlegs, Jumpsuits, Stories via Elvis.au

Words & Music by Billy Hayes / Jay Johnson

I'll have a Blue Christmas without you
I'll be so blue thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmastree
Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me

And the when those blue snowflakes start fallin'
That's when those blue memories start callin'
You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white
But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

Recorded: 1957/09/05, first released on Elvis' Christmas Album

Countdown To Christmas CD

As recorded live at the Las Vegas, Nevada, Hilton Hotel showroom, December 09, 1975, 10 P.M. The 'Straight Arrow' label will release its 11th CD, titled 'Countdown To Christmas' (SA 2008-11-02), in December 2008.

On A Snowy Christmas Night

Words & Music by Stanley J. Gelber

Midnights prayers so softly whispered in
A Cathedral's candle light
Bring the message of the holidays
On a snowy Christmas night

Holly reeds and hidden mistletoe
Symbols of the seasons might
Joyful faces everywhere you go
On a snowy Christmas night

Give thanks for all you've been blessed with
And hold your loved ones tight
For you know the Lord's been good to you
On a snowy Christmas night

Mother Nature wears a bridal gown
For the world is dressed in white
There's a silent glow that fills the earth
On a snowy Christmas night

For you know the Lord's been good to you
On a snowy Christmas night

Recorded: 1971/05/16, first released on Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas

January 16, 1971

Elvis attends a day of functions culminating in an evening awards banquet. He and nine others accept the honor of being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). He is nervous about his acceptance speech.

He is touched, excited and deeply proud. This national honor has been given each year since the late 1930's and recognizes young men who have made great achievements in their field of endeavor, illustrating the opportunities available in the free enterprise system. It also applauds humanitarianism and community service.

Scientists, inventors, performers, film makers, politicians bound for the Presidency, and men of greatness in all fields, have been selected for this award over the years.

For Elvis, a man who grew up poor, and, in his early career knew the sting of ridicule from the Establishment, who, through the years has known criticism of his work, this is one of his proudest moments. It is a sign that he has achieved acceptance, recognition, and respect for his work and for the kind of person he is.

Elvis' Speech, accepting the award (00:51) - January 16, 1971

 

Above - In January 1971 Elvis was awarded as one of the ten most outstanding young men of America by the 'Jaycees'. Over the years in various printed articles and heard on record releases you could read or listen to Elvis' acceptance speech but.... did you know that it was edited?

Elvis in L.A. 1971

December 1975 marked the first time ever that Elvis worked around the winter holidays. Why did Colonel Parker take the risk to play before Christmas when even shows by regular Las Vegas performers suffered from poor attendances? The main reason was Elvis financial situation but The Colonel was keen on fulfilling the August 1975 contract too. The ol' gambler took the situation as a challenge and booked Elvis at the Hilton from December 2nd til the 15th for a total of 16 shows. And once again, he hit the jackpot - all shows were sold out.

Elvis was in great voice throughout the engagement; 'My Boy', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Burning Love', 'Just Pretend' and 'America The Beautiful' were memorable highlights during these shows. However, Elvis' physical appearance was somewhat alarming; In December he appeared even heavier than in August, and his face was puffy and bloated. Nevertheless, this season was a huge success, and for the closing show on December 15th , there were more people at the Hilton showroom alone than in all other Las Vegas showrooms together.

The December 9th, 10 P.M. show as presented here is fairly typical of this strong engagement. There are no weak moments during the show, but several performances deserve special mention: a robust 'Trying To Get To You', a surprisingly wild version of 'Polk Salad Annie' and a fast-paced 'Burning Love' are ample proof that 'Elvis - The King' could still rock whenever he wanted to. 'Elvis - The Crooner' gave his all on songs like 'And I Love You So', 'Just Pretend' and 'Softly As I Leave You'. The unofficial national anthem 'America The Beautiful' and the Gospel favorite 'How Great Thou Art' are outstanding performances.

This engagement marked the last time that Elvis' concerts were of such a consistently high standard. Later his shows would become increasingly erratic, and whilst were some truly great concerts, many of them varied from average to rather poor, no matter how much Elvis tried. In December '75, Elvis tried too - and for the last time, he managed to pull it off, night after night.

This previously unreleased live recording originates directly from 1st generation copy of recently surfaced new master tape, as recorded by an audience member. The audio-quality of the recording is very good for an off-line recording. The sound was completely restored in a renowned studio to achieve the best possible quality for your optimal listening pleasure.

It's almost unnecessary to repeat that Straight Arrow will present this CD with a full-colour, 16-page booklet with many photos (incl. some rare ones) taken during December 1975 Las Vegas engagement and huge collection of reproduced Elvis Christmas memorabilia from 1958-1975. The Straight Arrow team thank you for your support and wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009 and hopes that you will enjoy this special Holiday release!

Tracklist:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from '2001 A Space Odyssey') - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman (with false start) / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. And I Love You So - 07. Tryin' To Get To You - 08. All Shook Up - 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 10. Love Me Tender - 11. Polk Salad Annie - 12. Band Introductions - 13. Johnny B. Goode - 14. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 15. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 16. Piano Solo (by Glen D. Hardin) - 17. School Day #1 - 18. School Day #2 - 19. Just Pretend - 20. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) - 21. Burning Love - 22. Softly As I Leave You - 23. America The Beautiful - 24. It's Now Or Never (with reprise) - 25. One Night - 26. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) - 27. Dialogue - 28. Can't Help Falling In Love - 29. Closing Vamp.