Kane Brown Duets With The Late ‘King Of Rock & Roll,’ Elvis Presley, On ‘Blue Christmas’

The country star said hearing him and the musical legend on the same song is “crazy.”

By

Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

November 2, 2023

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2:15 pm

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Elvis Presley, Kane Brown; Photo Provided

Kane Brown has released his version of the holiday classic “Blue Christmas” featuring previously recorded vocals by the late artist who made the song famous in 1957, Elvis Presley.

When it came time to choose a song to record for this merry season, the decision was easy for Brown because he considers “Blue Christmas” to be one of his “favorite Christmas songs.”

I used to sing it all the time whenever I was first coming up in the music scene, just while I was warming up and playing around on stage. So when I got asked to do a Christmas song, of course, I’d have picked that one,” he told his label, Sony Music Nashville. 

Elvis Presley, Kane Brown - Blue Christmas
Elvis Presley, Kane Brown – Blue Christmas

Maintaining The Nostalgia Of Presley’s Vocals

The Chattanooga, TN native now joins the long list of artists who have covered the song over the years, including the Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Lady A and many more. However, Brown added his own unique spin by incorporating Presley’s vocals throughout the song, making for an incredibly sentimental recording.

Presley can be heard singing the opening lyrics before Kane Brown picks up where he left off at the top of the next verse. The pair of baritone vocals then come together to create a stunning set of harmonies on the low hummed lyrics, “But I’ll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas.” Producing the song in this way offers a modern take for listeners while also maintaining the beloved nostalgia that the tune has evoked for many holiday seasons. 

“To reimagine it with Elvis is amazing,” Brown added. “I heard it for the first time the other day so just to hear me and Elvis on the same song is crazy.

The “I Love Country Music” singer went on to reveal that he is a big fan Presley and his career, noting how seeing the 2022 documentary surrounding the star’s life allowed him to feel as though he got to know Presley a bit better without actually ever meeting him in person. 

“Elvis is awesome I wish I would have been around to get to watch him perform but I did get to watch his documentary, so it felt like I was kind of there.”

Following In Martina McBride’s Footsteps

Martina McBride did a similar reimagined version of “Blue Christmas” back in 2008 that featured vocals from her and the King. This song appeared on the Elvis Presley Christmas Duets project which also includes features by Carrie Underwood, Wynonna, LeAnn Rimes and more. 

McBride took things a step further when she released an accompanying music video. Using footage pulled from the actual event and state of the art technology, the clip makes it look as though the female songstress actually joined Presley in singing the song on stage during his 1968 Comeback Special.

YouTube video

“Blue Christmas” was written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and first recorded by Texas country star Doye O’Dell in 1948, as reported by Wide Open Country. After O’Dell’s version shot to the top of the charts, landing a spot at No. 1, Ernest Tubb had his own try at the sober holiday tune, bringing it even more popularity throughout the ‘50s. 

This sparked the inspiration for many other artists to record covers of the tune, including Elvis Presley who is known for turning it into an annual listen for those who celebrate Christmas. This top 15 charted version dropped in 1957 as part of Presley’s self-titled Christmas album, which included recordings of “Santa Claus is Back in Town,” “Silent Night” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and landed a spot at No. 1 on the charts.

Kane Brown’s Chart-Climbing Single And Upcoming Tour

With Kane Brown’s version of “Blue Christmas” officially out in the world, fans get to hear the song in a completely new, countrified light. This release follows Brown’s newest single, “I Can Feel It,” which is currently impacting airwaves on country radio. 

The song is expected to appear on his yet-to-be-announced studio album, which will serve as the follow-up to 2022’s Different Man

Kane Brown In The Air Tour
Kane Brown In The Air Tour

In the midst of his new music drops, Kane Brown is gearing up for his In The Air Tour for 2024. Kicking off on March 28, 2024, the trek will visit stadiums and arenas through mid-September. 

Joining Brown on select dates of the tour will be Tyler Hubbard, Jon Pardi, Chris Young, Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, Parmalee, LOCASH, and RaeLynn.  

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.