Of course Lana Del Rey was a perfect choice for a moody tune during NBC's Christmas at Gracelandspecial.The singer's musical and visual aesthetics have always drawn heavily on Elvis Presley's heyday of the 1950s and 60s, so her tribute to the King was a natural fit. During the hourlong special, which will be broadcast again on NBC December 21 at 8 p.m. ET., Del Rey sang "Unchained Melody," accompanied by three backing singers and a pianist, and her vibrato was simply gorgeous.
The special was recorded at Presley's home in Memphis, Tennessee. Actress Riley Keough, a,k.a Presley's granddaughter, was an executive producer, and said in a statement, “My family and I are elated to open the doors to Graceland in this first-of-its-kind special. With intimate musical performances drawing inspiration from my grandfather Elvis' cherished Christmases in Memphis, viewers will be invited to experience firsthand the magic that is Christmas at Graceland.” Other performers from the evening included John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, and Lainey Wilson.
What to know about "Unchained Melody"
Originally written for the 1955 film Unchained (and nominated for Best Song at that year's Oscars), the song has been recorded by a number of Artists, including famed piano man Liberace, but the most famous version is by The Righteous Brothers, released in 1965. Elvis Presleysang the standard, accompanying himself on piano, in 1977, less than a year before his death, and it is considered one of his last great performances. It was also used during the iconic pottery scene in the hit 1990 supernatural love story Ghost.
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The lyrics to "Unchained Melody," written by Alex North and Hy Zaret
Woah, my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
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Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea, yeah
Lonely rivers sigh
"Wait for me, wait for me"
I'll be coming home, wait for me
Lana Del Rey performs during Christmas at Graceland. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC
Woah, my love, my darling
I've hungered, hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
FAQs
When it came Del Rey's time in front of the cameras, she didn't mess about. The “Summertime Sadness” singer performed a trademark moody rendition of “Unchained Melody,” a hit for the Righteous Brothers' in the mid-60s.
Who sang Unchained Melody on Christmas in Graceland? ›
The singer's voice fits perfectly into the throwback song from 1955. Of course Lana Del Rey was a perfect choice for a moody tune during NBC's Christmas at Graceland special.
What did John Legend sing at Christmas at Graceland? ›
During the Christmas at Graceland special on NBC on November 29, John Legend performed a passionate cover of the meaningful song "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon. The Voice Coach played the piano and crooned with a rich tone during his version.
What is the Christmas special at Graceland on NBC? ›
NBC's Christmas at Graceland special
The special featured music's biggest stars coming together to celebrate the legacy of Elvis Presley and ring in the holiday season at the King of Rock 'n' Roll's beloved home, Graceland!
What song did Dolly Parton not want Elvis to sing? ›
Dolly Parton reveals why Elvis wasn't allowed to officially cover 'I Will Always Love You' Dolly Parton says she had a very good reason for not allowing Elvis Presley to cover her song “I Will Always Love You.” When Dolly Parton writes a song, it's her song — no exceptions. Not even for the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
What singer tried to break into Graceland? ›
Forty years ago tonight, the Boss tried to meet the king.
Why is Lana Del Rey's voice so unique? ›
Lana Del Rey has an extended vocal range, and she can sing with a soft-jazz swinging tone or with a more solid pop accent. Her low notes are carefully crafted and carry genuine emotion. In the end it is hard to resist the charm, you are just too happy to keep listening.
What makes Lana Del Rey so special? ›
Her music has been praised for its haunting beauty, melancholic lyrics and vintage aesthetic. Her albums have topped the charts in multiple countries and sold millions of records worldwide. She has won several awards and has gone multi-platinum with many of her albums — solidifying her place in the music industry.
How many octaves can Lana Del Rey sing? ›
Lana Del Rey - Lana del rey has the biggest vocal range of all of them expanding up to 3 octaves and is a natural contralto voice with the skill to be able to naturally go up to soprano notes in a single run.
What song did Elvis play at the Christmas special? ›
It was also then that Binder decided they needed another song to end the show, leading him to beseech vocal arranger Earl Brown to write what would become 'If I Can Dream' – a vision of unity and racial harmony – overnight as a replacement for Parker's Christmas song. Elvis loved it.
Love that song Blue Christmas by Elvis.
What did Elvis do on Christmas? ›
Christmas was Elvis' favorite time of year. He gave presents at Christmas time. He had Graceland decked out in holiday decor. Elvis did not wait until Christmas to give out gifts to people, he gave gifts to strangers and to charities all through the year.
Why did Elvis keep saying my boy my boy? ›
"My Boy, My Boy"
This was also a "catch phrase" that Elvis and the guys around him were using at that time...so, again, it was an inside joke for their "group". Steve Binder did most of the talking!
What is the highest selling Christmas album of all time? ›
According to the most recent record album certifications, the holiday album title that has shipped the most copies in the United States is Elvis Presley's 1957 LP Elvis' Christmas Album, which is certified by the RIAA for shipment of 17 million copies in the U.S. (3 million copies of the original 1957 release on RCA ...
Who is the daughter of Elvis Presley? ›
Lisa Marie Presley (February 1, 1968 – January 12, 2023) was an American singer-songwriter. She was the only child of singer and actor Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley, as well as the sole heir to her father's estate after her grandfather and her great-grandmother died.
Who plays the little girl in Christmas at Graceland? ›
"Memphis is so pretty," enthuses Laurel's young daughter, Emma (Claire Elizabeth Green).
How many kids did Lisa Marie Presley have? ›
Lisa Marie Presley was known by many for being Elvis Presley's daughter, but she was also mom to four kids of her own: Riley Keough, Benjamin Keough, Finley Lockwood and Harper Lockwood.
What songs were recorded at Graceland? ›
Elvis' final recording sessions took place right at home at Graceland, in the legendary Jungle Room. The tracks recorded here – which you can hear on the new 2-disc release, “Way Down in the Jungle Room" - included “Hurt,” “Moody Blue,” “Solitaire,” “She Thinks I'll Still Care” and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”
What songs did Lana Del Rey sing on SNL? ›
Time on SNL
Elizabeth Grant (born June 21, 1985), better known by her stage name Lana Del Rey, is an American singer-songwriter. She appeared on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest on January 14, 2012, where she performed "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans".
Who sang "Can't Help Falling in Love" on Christmas at Graceland? ›
Kacey Musgraves
Looking stunning in a sparkly white gown, Musgraves sang Elvis' most iconic love song, “Can't Help Falling in Love,” on Graceland's famous front stoop.
Austin Butler sang many of the songs heard in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, impressing audiences with his flawless range and lilting Presley drawl. The use of stems allowed Butler's and Presley's vocals to be woven together, creating a seamless transition between their voices in the film.
