Martina, Wynonna Lead Elvis Duets Album

Elvis Presley image used by permission, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Aug. 5, 2008 — The first Elvis Presley duets album in history will be launched in October, pairing The King with such women as Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood and Wynonna.

Elvis Presley Christmas Duets features Elvis’ original vocals from holiday performances that were originally recorded for yuletide albums in 1957 and 1971, including "I’ll Be Home For Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Back In Town," "Silver Bells" and of course, "Blue Christmas." Nine of the duet partners who’ll be paired with him have been announced, including Sara Evans, Amy Grant, Anne Murray and the female members of Little Big Town: Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman. LeAnn Rimes will also be featured on "Here Comes Santa Claus."

It’s unclear how many of the tracks have already been recorded. Gretchen plans to cut her vocals for "Merry Christmas Baby" on Aug. 13. Some of the music will be premiered the following day at an Elvis Insiders event in Memphis during the city’s annual Elvis Week celebration. Other tracks that are destined for the album have not yet been announced.

One of Elvis’ former sidemen is meanwhile being honored on the film festival circuit. Crazy, which follows the tragic life of guitarist Hank Garland, is screening at the Providence Film Festival in Rhode Island on Thursday, and has additional showings slated at festivals in Paducah, Ky.; Huntington Beach, Calif.; St. Charles, Ill.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Rehoboth, Del.

Noted for his work on hits by Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline and the Everly Brothers, Hank went into a coma following a car accident in 1961. Though he lived until 2004, he was unable to play professionally after the wreck. Among the Elvis tracks that featured him were "Little Sister," "It’s Now Or Never," "Are You Lonesome To-night?" and "Can’t Help Falling In Love."

Pairings announced so far for Elvis Presley Christmas Duets, set for release Oct. 14, include:

• "I'll Be Home For Christmas" — Carrie Underwood
• "Blue Christmas" — Martina McBride
• "Here Comes Santa Claus" — LeAnn Rimes
• "Silent Night" — Sara Evans
• "Merry Christmas Baby" — Gretchen Wilson
• "Silver Bells" — Anne Murray
• "White Christmas" — Amy Grant
• "O Little Town" — Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town
• "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" — Wynonna Judd