“A detailed look at Elvis Presley’s legendary 1957 Christmas LP, its songs, history, and lasting legacy”
In October 1957, Elvis Presley released one of the most iconic albums of his career: the Elvis’ Christmas Album, officially catalogued as RCA Victor LOC-1035. This LP not only reinforced his status as the reigning figure of rock & roll, but it also became a milestone in holiday music history.
History and Release
Elvis Christmas Album was issued by RCA Victor in mid-October 1957, with release dates varying slightly between October 14 and 15 depending on the market. It was Elvis’s first Christmas album and his fourth studio album.
Recording sessions took place at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, mostly between January and September 1957. The sessions were produced by Steve Sholes, a key figure in guiding Elvis’s early output with RCA.
Upon release, the album was an immediate commercial success, spending four weeks at number one on the U.S. album charts.
Tracklist
The original LOC-1035 LP contained 12 tracks, divided between festive rock & roll numbers, traditional carols, and gospel songs—reflecting the diverse musical influences that shaped Elvis.
Side A (Christmas / Rock & Roll)
- Santa Claus Is Back In Town
- White Christmas
- Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
- I’ll Be Home for Christmas
- Blue Christmas
- Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
Side B (Gospel / Spiritual)
- Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
- Silent Night
- (There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)
- I Believe
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord
- It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
These recordings highlight Elvis’s vocal versatility—from upbeat rock & roll to deeply spiritual gospel pieces.
Recording Sessions and Musical Style
Most of the material was recorded during sessions in September 1957. Elvis entered Radio Recorders with his core musicians:
- Scotty Moore (guitar)
- Bill Black (bass)
- D.J. Fontana (drums)
- The Jordanaires (backing vocals)
The sessions blended holiday tradition with Elvis’s unmistakable energy, giving the album its distinctive warmth and drive.
Commercial Success and Enduring Legacy
Elvis Christmas Album quickly became a phenomenon. Over the decades, it has been certified multiple times and recognized as the best-selling Christmas album in U.S. history, as well as one of the highest-selling worldwide.
Songs like “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” have become perennial holiday classics, ensuring the album’s continued presence in households every December.
Collectibility and Editions
Original 1957 pressings of RCA LOC-1035 are highly prized by collectors, especially those that retain the original full-color booklet or the promotional “gift giving” sticker.
Since its debut, the album has been reissued countless times in various formats—mono, stereo, budget editions, CDs, deluxe vinyl pressings—maintaining its relevance and desirability across generations.
Conclusion
The Elvis Christmas Album (RCA LOC-1035) is far more than a seasonal release: it is a landmark recording in American music history. Its perfect blend of rock, gospel, and traditional holiday songs showcases Elvis Presley at the height of his vocal power and cultural influence.
Decades after its release, it remains a timeless classic—an essential holiday soundtrack and one of the defining achievements of Elvis’s legendary career.
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