"Blue Christmas" is a Christmas song written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson. The heart-broken tale of unrequited love during the holidays had long been considered a Christmas staple of country music, having been recorded by Ernest Tubb in 1948. In 1957, Elvis Presley effectively made it a steadfast rock-and-roll holiday classic by recording it in his signature style. It has since been recorded by a host of rock and country artists alike, as well as those of other genres. It was also featured in the Rankin/Bass Christmas special, The Year Without a Santa Claus, and was covered by Céline Dion as well as the indie band Bright Eyes and Billy Idol in his 2006 Christmas album Happy Holidays.