American Bandstand 1957 & 1968 – Blue Christmas, Elvis Presley

Airdate: August 17, 1968 & December 18, 1957 The dancer that picked Dion as a male singer was being prophetic. Dion hadn’t had a top hit 40 hit since 1963 and “Abraham, Martin and John” was just being released in August of ’68 and wouldn’t even hit the charts until October. There is no way he knew that song was coming out when they taped this…..right? Dancers: Leading off the Spotlight Dance today are Nino Bambino & Rosalie Beltrante. Also, as Dick mentions you can see original regulars Justine Carelli and Bob Clayton at 2:55 as well as Frank Brancaccio at 2:13, Kenny Rossi at 2:51, and Frani Giordono & Gino De Federico at 3:06. We also see 1968 regulars Frank Vanderpuil and Robin Miller at 2:06. (I’m sure there are several Philadelphia regulars I’ve missed. Let me know and I’ll be happy to add them here in the description.) “Blue Christmas” wasn’t released as a single until 1964. It made it into the top 40 at #40 in 1964 and it also charted at #40 in January of 2019 (?)