This performance by Johnny Cash is a tribute to all of those who serve in the US military. “Blue Christmas” is a ballad that describes a longing for a loved one at Christmas time.
Johnny and the Startler Brothers, his backup band, are dressed in uniforms and sing the Christmas song from inside a barracks, and the scene is set for this beautiful rendition for our military.
Naturally, The Man In Black is on the lead vocals with the band harmonizing perfectly with his deep resonate voice.
This version of the carol was performed as part of The Johnny Cash Show, a TV show that Cash hosted from 1969 to 1971. On this show, Cash sang with many different performers at the famed Ryman Auditorium.
“Blue Christmas” was first released by Doye O’Dell in 1948, but it was Elvis Presley who made it famous in 1957. Johnny’s version is solid gold as well.
However, you do not need to be in the military to understand the sentiment of the song. Christmas is a time for reflecting on family members and remembering the good times and happy memories. This performance of Blue Christmas does just that.
