Duets With the Dead - Elvis Presley Christmas Duets Album Being Assembled

Sony BMG has found yet another way to "refresh" the Elvis Presley catalog, 31 years after his death, with the release of Elvis Presley Christmas Duets on October 14.

Pairing Presley with a number of contemporary country artists was not an easy task in some cases as the original recordings weren't conducive to the mixing of old and new. From the press release:

In order to create these classic "duets" Sony BMG used the most advanced and sophisticated audio technology available. For songs that were recorded on one track, mono, musical beds were created to perfectly match the instrumentation and arrangements contained on the originals. In the case of songs that have been recorded in multi-track where Elvis' vocal is isolated on a single track, the vocal was simply dropped for a given verse or chorus, making room for the duet artist. To be as faithful as possible to the original recordings, the fabled RCA Studio B in Nashville -- the same studio that Elvis recorded the 1971 original Christmas session in, was used.

"There has been tremendous excitement from the many artists contributing their voices to these Elvis Christmas classics. We believe Elvis fans will truly enjoy these unique collaborations while introducing Elvis' holiday classics to the many fans of his duet partners," says Joe Galante, Chairman, Sony BMG Nashville.

"This is an excellent example of the innovative ways in which we keep Elvis' catalog fresh for new and existing fans, and continue the history of creating, preserving and celebrating his great music," says John Ingrassia, President of the Sony BMG Commercial Music Group.

"We are so pleased that these accomplished artists are collaborating with Elvis in this unique way to make exciting new versions of his Christmas songs. I am sure Elvis would be proud to have worked with them," says Priscilla Presley.

Those attending Elvis Week in Memphis will have the opportunity to samples from the album on August 14.

The following is an incomplete list of the tracks for the album:

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