John Lucas

In retrospect, Elvis’s 1968 television special is most often returned to as “The ’68 Comeback Special”, because it marked both his return to performing live in front of an audience (after a seven-year absence) and the beginning of a career resurgence.

The show’s official title, however, was Singer Presents…Elvis. Because there’s nothing more rock ‘n’ roll than a network TV production sponsored by a sewing-machine company.

Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, struck a deal with NBC that was to have seen his client featured in a holiday-themed special. The trouble with that was that Elvis had no interest in making his big comeback with a bunch of Christmas carols. Good call!

Presley got his way, and ended up performing only one Christmas song, “Blue Christmas”. Check it out below.