Elvis anniversary Saturday; Carrie covering him for Christmas
 
Elvis Presley fans will flock to Memphis, Tenn., this weekend to mark the 31st anniversary of The King’s death. Presley died Aug. 16, 1977, of heart disease and drug abuse.
Since this year also marks the 40th anniversary of Presley’s 1968 comeback TV special, Legacy recently released a four-CD box set of all the music from what’s affectionately known as “The ‘68 Special.” According to the Amazon.com product description, the set features music from the rehearsals and finished show, including eight previously unreleased tracks.
The special, especially noted for Presley’s informal jam session, originally aired Dec. 3, 1968, on NBC.
Since we’re on the subject of December, the Associated Press reports that high-tech wizardy will let several current country music stars to sing along with The King on the upcoming album “Elvis Presley Christmas Duets.”
Among Presley’s duet partners: Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Gretchen Wilson, Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, Amy Grant and Anne Murray. Â
The new album will be released Oct. 14.
Sony BMG is releasing the CD in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. The company told the AP the album is Presley’s first duets album and the first Christmas compilation of its kind.
“This is an excellent example of the innovative ways in which we keep Elvis’ catalog fresh for new and existing fans,” John Ingrassia, president of the Sony BMG Commercial Music Group, told the AP.
Presley only recorded 20 Christmas songs, but his holiday albums have sold more than 25 million copies in the U.S. alone.
Released in 1957, “Elvis’ Christmas Album” is the top-selling seasonal release of all-time with 9 million in sales, according to Recording Industry Association of America information quoted by the AP.
The Jordanaires, the vocal group who sang backup on most of The Kings early recordings, are rerecording their parts for the duets album.
The new album is being worked up in RCA Studio B, where Presley himself recorded.
Tracks include “Blue Christmas” with McBride, “Here Comes Santa Claus” with Rimes, “Merry Christmas Baby” with Wilson, “White Christmas” with Grant and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” with Underwood.
-BAM
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