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CluelessInSeattle
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  • Register:01/22/2011 05:14:18

Date Posted:12/08/2021 03:35:37Copy HTML

I heard the Drifters' version of White Christmas on the radio a day or two ago, and noticed a couple of striking similarities to Elvis' 1957 version.  Google says the Driftesr' version came out in 1956, so if that date is correct, then perhaps Elvis was influenced by the Drifters in his rendition.  Was the Drifters' version in circulation before Elvis recorded his version?


Will in Seattle a.k.a. "Clueless"
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Re:Was Elvis's "White Christmas" a cover of an R&B record?

Date Posted:12/09/2021 03:00:37Copy HTML


Will,

Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters recorded their version of "White Christmas" in late 1954 and it was released as a single by Atlantic Records in November of 1954. It wasn't released on LP until 1956.

Elvis recorded his version of "White Christmas" on Friday, September 6, 1957 and it was released by RCA Records on October 15, 1957 on his first Christmas album entitled, appropriately enough, Elvis' Christmas Album.


Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com
CluelessInSeattle Share to: Facebook Twitter MSN linkedin google yahoo #2
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  • Register:01/22/2011 05:14:18

Re:Was Elvis's "White Christmas" a cover of an R&B record?

Date Posted:12/09/2021 05:06:36Copy HTML

Thanks, Chip!  I knew you would have the answer.


Google should pay you a retainer for your Christmas music fact-checking services.

Will in Seattle a.k.a. "Clueless"
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Re:Was Elvis's "White Christmas" a cover of an R&B record?

Date Posted:12/10/2021 07:04:56Copy HTML


Sure thing, Will.

By the way, Elvis was influenced by many black artists and covered their recordings. The most famous example was "Hound Dog," which was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton in late 1952 and released as a single in early 1953 -- a few years before Elvis' version.


Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com
CluelessInSeattle Share to: Facebook Twitter MSN linkedin google yahoo #4
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  • Register:01/22/2011 05:14:18

Re:Was Elvis's "White Christmas" a cover of an R&B record?

Date Posted:12/10/2021 09:52:00Copy HTML

And written by Leiber and Stoller.

That was the first pop record I ever owned.  It was a 78.  I say "was" because, since it was my only pop record, I never removed it from the record player, it just became a permanent part of the turntable.  Well, one day my little brother was playing with his wooden yo-yo and shouted "Watch me do around-the-world" as he swung the yo-yo up over his had and it smacked down on the brittle 78 smashing it to pieces.

Will in Seattle a.k.a. "Clueless"
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