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Since Elvis Presley discographies were first compiled, RCA's reissue of his infamous 1957 Christmas album with a new cover photo has always been relegated to the 1958 holiday season, likewise a lookalike Extended Play 45 (EP). But, in recent years, many have been perplexed by the photos RCA used on these releases, as they seem to post-date December 1958!
Between personal research, information found in Off Duty (MRS) and input from valued members of FECC, it seems every one of these discographies all these years are WRONG.
In a nutshell, RCA unleashed the LP reissue and sister EP in November 1959.
This resolves a problem with the chronology of the back cover photographs and allows a reassessment of RCA's priorities during the holiday seasons of 1958 and 1959.
Below are the highlights of my findings; any other credible information is welcome.
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Elvis: RCA Christmas Product 1957 - 1960
(new release in red)
Nov 1957
Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LOC 1035
Elvis Sings Christmas Songs - RCA EPA 4108
Peace In The Valley - RCA EPA 4054
Nov 1958
Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LOC 1035
Elvis Sings Christmas Songs - RCA EPA 4108
Peace In The Valley - RCA EPA 4054
Nov 1959
Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LPM 1951
Christmas With Elvis - RCA EPA 4340
Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LOC 1035
Elvis Sings Christmas Songs - RCA EPA 4108
Peace In The Valley - RCA EPA 4054
Nov 1960
Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LOC 1035
Elvis Sings Christmas Songs - RCA EPA 4108
Peace In The Valley - RCA EPA 4054
Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LPM 1951
Christmas With Elvis - RCA EPA 4340
Media Publicity, Charts and Information
Surveying the Billboard and Cashbox charts from 1958 on, there is no mention of the new EP in 1958.
In 1959, the EP is seen as "new" product.

Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LOC 1035 (Nov 1957 -> Nov 1960)

Elvis Sings Christmas Songs - RCA EPA 4108 (Nov 1957 -> Nov 1960)

Peace In The Valley - RCA EPA 4054 (Nov 1957 -> Nov 1960)
Billboard - December 15, 1958
Notice Elvis ranks at #18 (LPs) and #'s 1, 4, 8, 10, 21, 22, 25, 30 (EPs).
Note also that EP #25 is a misnomer -- it actually refers to Elvis Sings Christmas Songs - EPA 4108 (see December 15, 1958 #2, December 28, 1959 and January 4, 1960 below).
There is no mention of EPA 4340.
Billboard - December 15, 1958 #2
Notice EPA 4108 is cited as the holiday pick, "even tho' this was released for last Christmas."
There is no mention of EPA 4340.
Interesting that Buddy Holly is mistakenly referred to as Buddy "Hollis."


Christmas With Elvis - RCA EPA 4340 (Nov 1959 -> Nov 1960)
Notice the other two holiday EPs are endorsed on the back cover.
The book Off Duty (MRS, 2010) suggests that EPA 4340 and others, in front of a blue curtain, like that of Elvis Is Back ! (RCA 2231, 1960) ...

... all come from a photo shoot arranged by the German TELDEC Record Company in May 1959. The original used for the updated Christmas album picture has the same blue curtains in the background. Elvis wore a variety of clothes at this photo shoot.
Billboard - November 2, 1959
Notice "a new and excellent picture" comment in this "New Christmas Packages" review of EPA 4340.
Billboard - November 16, 1959
Wonderful ad for key RCA LP release, and also mentions "NEW ELVIS 45 EP ALBUMS," including EPA 4340.

Billboard - December 28, 1959

Billboard - January 4, 1960
Here we see Elvis at #1 on the EP chart with Elvis' Christmas Album - EPA 4108 as 1959 turns into 1960.
Again, the title we see is a misnomer -- it actually refers to Elvis Sings Christmas Songs.


Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LPM 1951 (Nov 1959)
The back cover shows Elvis with a medal for marksman (earned June 23, 1958) and one Private First Class stripe (received November 27, 1958).
On June 1, 1959, Elvis was promoted to Specialist Fourth Class (Spec 4).
Thus, these photos were made on or after November 27, 1958, meaning the album was not released for the 1958 holiday retail season.
Billboard - December 31, 1960
This is apparently the first appearance of Elvis' Christmas Album - RCA LPM 1951 in Billboard!
Phew! Just when you imagine there's nothing new to learn about Elvis!!
What do you think?
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Thanks to ELVISRECORDS.US http://www.elvisrecords.us/ for some of the great disc covers seen above.
And thank you to all who helped update or confirm the information in this post.