Of all the Christmas songs about heartbreak, Elvis Presley’s “Blue Chirstmas” is probably the best.
Sorry George Michael, “Last Christmas is a great song too!”, but it just does not have the sultry, brooding tone that made teen girls go mad in the late 50’s. even if you’re not heartbroken, the song is as cool as a snowman.
The only thing that could make it even better, is a renowned Italian opera singer and a country-western star tackling the song as a slow ballad duet.
Well, I’ve got some good news for you! It has happened.
And it was recorded for the world to enjoy. Andrea Bocelli and Reba McEntire team up for this incredible and unique rendition of Elvis’s Christmas classic.
Andrea Bocelli is an internationally infamous Italian opera singer, songwriter and producer.
Following a football accident and subsequent onset of traumatic glaucoma, we was left blind at age 12.
Despite this setback he has achieved unbelievable things in the musical world, earning a boat-load of awards and being acclaimed as one of the worlds greatest modern opera singers.
So why “Blue Christmas”?
Well, Bocelli explains this before Reba comes out:
“Honestly I was a little bit jealous of Elvis Presley, because when I was young all my girlfriends loved Elvis Presley more than me. For this reason I decide, one day I will sing his song.”
Nice one Andrea, I imagine your ex-girlfriends feel pretty silly now!
Reba joins Andrea on stage and they begin singing. Reba McEntire is a country-western star and actress who has a distinctly different style, demographic and genre to Bocelli.
She’s been on stage and screen since 1989, and still balances a music and acting career.
But does this combo of opera and country genres work?
You bet it does!
It is very different however to the Elvis version we know and love.
Rather than kicking into the song in the 50’s rock style with drums, electric bass and guitar, the song rises much more elegantly.
There’s a slow rise of violins among other classical music instruments.
It’s clear this version is Andrea’s version. Even a huge harp is involved!
And his voice is incredible!
For the uninitiated, Andrea’s voice is wonderfully warm and heavenly.
He sings so smoothly and he really brings a fantastic opera flavor to this well-known song.
In fact according to AAC Center, Céline Dion once had this to say about Andrea’s other-worldly voice:
Well, that’s high Praise! How could you argue with that?
When Reba joins in, the combination is truly magical.
You wouldn’t think that a duet consistent of two singers from such drastically different genres would sound so good together.
But it’s a match made in heaven!
Andrea’s warm and soothing voice paired with Reba’s higher, more sultry country tones are like marshmallows in your hot cocoa. The comments reflect how well these two worlds meld together:
“Great orchestra. Inspiring, exceptional. Melding alto country and tenor extraordinaire. Thank you so much for posting this fantastic music”- Bella Vista
Watch the full video below to hear these spectacular singers create Christmas magic!
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