The original release date of LPM-1951, Elvis’ Christmas Album has long been a subject of debate among collectors. Some have suggested a Christmas 1959 release, while others have pointed to November 1958. The following research helps narrow that window and provides a more accurate timeline.
One key piece of evidence comes from the back cover, which features Elvis wearing a marksman medal along with a single stripe. Historical records show that Elvis earned his marksman medal on June 23, 1958, and was promoted to Private First Class on November 27, 1958, earning that stripe. A subsequent promotion to Specialist Fourth Class followed on June 1, 1959.
Based on this imagery, the album artwork would most logically date from late 1958 through early 1959, suggesting a release sometime after that period. Early conclusions pointed toward November 1959 as a likely release timeframe.
This theory was further supported through independent research conducted in parallel by collectors on the Elvis CD Collectors forum. Notably, the discussion by drjohncarpenter (“Elvis’ Christmas Album — Mystery No More?”, March 10, 2010) arrived at similar conclusions. Participation in that discussion helped reinforce that the November 1959 estimate was more than speculation.
Earlier assumptions placing the release in November 1958 have since been largely set aside. While a November 1959 timeframe aligned well with period advertisements, more definitive documentation eventually surfaced that clarified the album’s actual release.
Research by Keith Flynn, based on RCA’s official Listing Notice, confirms that LPM-1951 was shipped on September 25, 1959, with an intended release in October 1959. This provides the most concrete evidence to date and effectively resolves the long-standing debate surrounding the album’s release timeline.
With this documentation now available, the earlier uncertainty surrounding the release date has largely been resolved. As a result, this page may eventually be retired or consolidated into a more definitive reference.
December 13, 1958. The Albuquerque Tribune, page 6, features a prominent advertisement for LOC-1035.
December 15, 1958. Billboard, page 50. The EP version (LOC-1035), released in November 1958 with the same cover, charted at number 25. Notably, there is no mention of LPM-1951 at this time. Also of interest, the listing refers to Elvis’ Christmas Album, not A Christmas with Elvis.
November 26, 1959. The Oakland Tribune, page 40-X, includes LPM-1951 among RCA Victor’s new releases.
November 29, 1959. The San Antonio Light, page 11-G, lists LPM-1951 under RCA Victor’s “Sound Spectaculars for ’59.”
December 1959. The Schwann Long Playing Records Catalog, page 176, lists LPM-1951 with no mention of LOC-1035.