Celebrity

Jimmy Barnes joins in the yuletide celebrations, announces his first Christmas album

Elissa Napier
Oct 30, 2022
Jimmy Barnes announces Christmas album. Source: @JimmyBarnes/Twiiter

Rock legend Jimmy Barnes has kicked off the festive season, revealing he’ll be releasing his first Christmas album in November 2022.

Barnes said the album, titled Blue Christmas, will have an Australian twist on the Christmas classics we all know and love.

Fans can look forward to renditions of Christmas favourites like Let It Snow and Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree. 

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Scottish-born rock star said the cover art for the album was specifically chosen to represent an Aussie Christmas.

“I love the Elvis song obviously but the reason I called the record Blue Christmas is because we’re not surrounded by snow in Australia, it’s normally blue skies and sea,” Barnes said.

“And you don’t get more Australian than a V8 Monaro. I had the license plate flown in; it’s the serial number for Elvis’s Blue Christmas.”

The 66-year-old entertainer offered a teaser for those looking forward to the album, releasing his rendition of Elvis’ Blue Christmas.

Fans shared their excitement for the upcoming release on social media, thanking Barnes for bringing delight in musical form.

On top of the anticipated release of his first Christmas album, the Working Class Man singer has been busy receiving his Honorary Doctorate by the University of South Australia (UniSA) for his “distinguished service to the community”.

UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd said Barnes deserves the Doctorate for being the symbol of determination.

“From working class boy to working class man to working class hero, Jimmy has had to overcome adversity and countless setbacks, bouncing back stronger each time,” Lloyd said.

“If you want a gold standard for the ‘unstoppable career’, then Jimmy Barnes is it.”

Barnes was overcome with emotion when accepting the award and gave an encouraging speech to the graduating class beside him.

“So congratulations to each and every one of you guys. The honours you received today recognise what you’re capable of achieving when you refuse to let anyone’s limitations of you stop you,” the music legend said.

“May you continue to strive for that kind of honour in everything you do in the years ahead.

“And finally, thanks to the University of South Australia for granting me this honour. I’m very emotional about it.

“I accept it on behalf of all the auto workers in Elizabeth, the petrol pumpers and the guys that pour molten metal who weren’t lucky enough to escape.

“May their children and their great-grandchildren have the opportunity to enter great institutions like this one, through the front gate and not have to jump the fence. Thank you very much.”

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