From Tupelo to Memphis







Songs to Remember

Songs with Soul

"SUSPICIOUS MINDS"

The story of each song always has
curiosities and anecdotes that we can tell, from various points of view, the singer, the composer, the producer, the musicians
companions. The musical mechanics and the recording of a success sometimes do not depend only on a good score, a production or a performer. Proof of this is the history of this well-known song by all fans of Elvis Presley. "Suspicious Minds"
Composer Mark James tells how one day he was playing organ bass pedals in an apartment he lived in and he was getting some kind of riff, the same riff, and he was getting the groove out of it, playing... . Inspiration would come, then when he got a certain part, he went into the studio and finished it off with a grand piano. And when Chips Moman heard it, he was like, 'Man, I want to record this song,' and he was really excited. Although the song was recorded in the voice of the composer and singer Mark James with a good accompaniment, it was not successful. (the version of M. James A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFP0EP-Oi2I


When Chips showed the song to Elvis, he realized that he had found his number one, it was like seeing a gold record, ... he knew that this was the song they were looking for ... In the voice of the interpreter, a through her heart, she could reach the top... And so it was... When Elvis heard her he said, "Let's hear this again."
Songwriter Mark James stayed away, because he didn't want to bother the recordings and Elvis of course heard it several times, he liked it so much that Chips made him a recording to take home.
Mark James says that when he went to the studio and heard the version sung by Elvis, at first it seemed slow... but when he heard the voice he was so impressed by that special interpretation of his work that it would give meaning to his composition, and would inspire him in new songs. The composer wrote, sang and broadcast his own version of Suspicious Minds, also produced by Chips Moman, on Scepter Records in 1968, but without success and in the same arrangement, the song became a worldwide hit for Elvis Presley in 1969. Curiously enough the demo that was recorded for the backing song would be almost identical to the one that was used in the recordings of the day on January 23, 1969 at American Sound Studios.
Chips Moman says that Felton Jarvis was never happy that Elvis recorded in American. It was a control thing. So when Jarvis took the tape of 'Suspicious Minds,' he added this crazy 15-second disappearance towards the end, as if the song was ending, and overdubbed it again.
to extend it... losing its original meaning... but to the public in
In general, this did not displease him and neither did the composer. Mark James
wrote more songs for Elvis, but his biggest hit would be "Always on
my minds" not only because it became another of the best-known songs that Elvis Presley performed, but also because with this song he would win the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for Willie Nelson's version. Ironies of the recording world... Elvis the makes eternal and another takes the Grammy...
There is a lot of legend and more anecdotes about this Suspicious song and about the economic influence that endangered the future of this sure success... due to the abusive copyright... but that's another story...
FROM TUPELO TO MEMPHIS
"Following the path of the King..."


 Takes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcFvZ5VRn98
In Las Vegas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb0Jmy-JYbA


Songs to Remember

"The Next Step Is Love"

by Paul Parnes and Paul Evans. The song was recorded on June 7 at Studio B in Nashville. Elvis was at the time experimenting and expanding his musical reach. He was growing as an artist. Paul Parnes says that he wrote the song and they started with the title first and worked from there. Lyrically it was inspired by the Beatles and Jimmy Webb. The lyrics that Elvis sang at that time were more introspective than those he did then, of some of his simpler songs. The funny thing is that normally the music and lyrics are composed first and they are given the title... They received a call telephone to order that Elvis was looking for material and they wrote "The next step is love". The song is basically about the evolution of love, one step leads to another. And the next thing is the consummation. He says that they were inspired by the accompaniment of the idea for the Piccolo trumpet part of the Beatles song, "Penny Lane". And then the song wrote itself and came very quickly.
The songs of any writer are his sons and this was one of his favorite sons. The theme was accepted by his publisher and Elvis recorded it. His version was a copy of the Paul Evans show. But he says that Elvis did a very good job and put his own stamp on the song. Production-wise, the song developed with strings, background vocals, and a full orchestra. Seeing Elvis singing his song on the big screen in "That's The Way It Is" was a great thrill, because the documentary itself is excellent and seeing him perform was a stroke of luck."Following the Path of the King...

"From Tupelo to Memphis 48 Part Three http://www.ivoox.com/43792770

https://youtu.be/QvRhxXYLrZU

Songs to Remember

'Santa Claus is Back in Town'

On August 4, 1970 Elvis would sing again in the rehearsal held in the Convention Room of the International Hotel in Las Vegas, on the occasion of the filming of the movie "That's the Way it is". Until this day he had only rehearsed with the musicians: James Burton, lead guitar; Glen D. Hardin, on piano; guitar, John Wilkinson; bass Jerry Scheff; Ronnie Tutt on drums and Charlie Hodge, his faithful friend, his voice and guitar. And the last days of rehearsal will finally feature the voices of The Sweet Inspirations,
The Imperials and Millie Kirkham as lead female voice. The clear intention of completing all the work done with the musicians with the voices and finally completing with the orchestra on August 7th. One of the songs that they are going to rehearse 'Santa Claus is Back in Town', a view of the past and a theme that Elvis obviously likes to interpret a lot.
The song composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller that Elvis recorded on September 7, 1957, at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, for the first Elvis Christmas Album, released in October of the same year. "Elvis Christmas Album". It reached number 1 for 4 weeks, a Gold record again for Elvis. At the time a game of intentions with the lyrics of this blues so impressive that it was a Christmas song at the same time. Identifying himself as Santa Claus without the sleigh, reindeer or sack of toys, which he promises to arrive in his black Cadillac with the intention of rolling down a young woman's chimney on Christmas Eve. A play on words that meant a scandalous song in the voice of someone who was then a Rock singer... A success and a scandalous song at a time when he received hits and criticism at the same time. But a Christmas classic that in the voice of Elvis becomes a song with an electrifying attraction for his interpretation.
What is interesting in this rehearsal session and this song, "Santa Claus is back in town" is to see how Elvis Presley sings it, taking up this impressive theme again. A pleasure to see and listen to Elvis Bluseando with this song, a little more relaxed in tempo, but absolutely immersed in his lyrics, wiggling slightly and with his left hand also moving the music.
It is clear that Elvis takes this great song, which had such an impact years ago. They all like it. The chorus doesn't do much here, just a faint backing voice, but everyone gets carried away...the piano with Glen D. is also brimming with expression. Everyone struts to his song and the result of a little memory we can witness thanks to these recordings made for the movie."Santa Claus Is Back in Town" has since appeared on many lps, on Elvis Sings Leiber & Stoller, The King Of Rock And Roll, Artist Of The Century and logically on themed releases Memories Of Christmas, If Every Day Was Like Christmas, Christmas Peace and Elvis Christmas, etc, etc... Alternate takes of the song can be found on Tiger Man, the special edition of That's The Way It Is and on the FTD release Let Yourself Go (a rehearsal version for Elvis's NBC TV special that was released prior to broadcast).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o__qSFPbUo8

Songs to Remember.
"For the Good Times".

On March 27, 1972, Elvis recorded this Kris Kristofferson hit at RCA's Hollywood studio. Again although it was a good song, it was already a success, not a new and exclusive theme for him.
A great song that has been included on multiple albums, "Welcome to My World", since it was featured on "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", "Burning Love", "The Country Side Of Elvis", and the 2006 release of " Elvis Country". Alternate takes of the session have appeared on "Platinum: A Life In Music" and "6363 Sunset". Elvis sang a couple of lines from the song offstage during his 1972 "Elvis on Tour" documentary.
"Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square Garden", also on "An Afternoon In the Garden", 2004 FTD's "Elvis On Tour-The Rehearsals" and 2005's "Love, Elvis", "Close Up" and FTD launches "Summer Festival " and "Southern Nights", etc etc.
Composed by Kris Kristofferson, although recorded for the first time by Bill Nash, then Kristofferson, would record it.
Kris Kristofferson confessed to being an Elvis fan when he was young, in college. Elvis was a force of nature. He looked up to him, the first white man who could sing black songs and sing them well.
He believed that he was a particular type of soul. Nobody would have dared to sing a Little Richard song like Elvis had and try to carry the spirit of Little Richard in that way.
Kris was driving through California and stopped at a truck stop and heard a song on the radio and said, "Who's that?" And the waitress said, "Oh God, that's Elvis," like it was something incredible, that she didn't know him.
Kris always appreciated Elvis recordings, because when he first dreamed of becoming a songwriter, he would never have dreamed that Elvis would sing one of his songs, but three and with so much soul. Elvis recorded the following Kristofferson songs; "Help Me Make It Through The Night", "For The Good Times", and "Why Me Lord", live.
In this song it seems that Elvis made the score his own, it seemed that he was singing about his own experience and he could really immerse himself in it.
In any case, it is an endearing theme that makes us think and look back.
"Following the Path of the King"...
https://youtu.be/BC6gnPdsLcY

  


Songs that speak to us from the Heart 

"Can't Help Falling in Love"

This very special song would become an anthem for his fans forever... A theme that went beyond time... A love song that Elvis took as a declaration for his adoring public and with which he would close his shows ever since. .. The song was composed in 1961 by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, and performed by Elvis Presley for the movie Blue Hawaii. It was inspired by the classic French composition "Plaisir d'amour" by Jean Paul Égide Martini. The first time Elvis sang this song Elvis already felt it in a special way, a sweet melody that was recorded in a more modest way then. 

https://youtu.be/pXhKWWCCdk8 Elvis recorded the song on March 23, 1961 at Radio Recorders. The single spent 14 weeks on the Billboard charts reaching number 2 in the US, and in the UK "Can't Help Falling in Love" was number one for four weeks in the UK. Over time it was a gold record that was certified by the RIIA. In the film it appeared as the melody of a music box with the wonderful interpretation of Elvis. Up close, special, personal...

 When Elvis was recording the song, he told the musicians that he would think of a girl named Priscilla, whom he had left behind in Germany. Elvis chose "Can't Help Falling In Love" as a personal declaration of love to his girl at the time she would become his wife.. A song that also sounded like a wedding tune for both of them. A theme that for Elvis meant as his romantic song forever, and that he transferred to his live concerts and as a particular closure of love towards his public. Already starting in 1969 with his new band, the orchestra and the new personal interpretation of Elvis more mature, even different and still with his absolute dedication to this melody... so incredible and close that he adopted it again, but this time with a great meaning for him. His love so great and intense for his audience, unrivaled, that will last a lifetime and will remain in the hearts of all his fans forever.

  I recommend you listen to this audio by iVoox!

 From Tupelo to Memphis 46 On Stage 2 

http://www.ivoox.com/37732468

https://youtu.be/Ao7dBDqstco


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"Songs that speak to us from the heart"

"The Wonder of You"

One of the songs that Elvis would introduce in the repertoire of his
second season of January-February at the International Hotel in Las Vegas and that would become another of his most iconic songs and much loved by fans, was "The Wonder of You". The song was composed by Baker Night and performed by Ray Peterson in 1959. Elvis took it to the top, reaching number one in England and the Top 10 in the United States.
The version that Elvis made in 1970 was quite free, it was a
very special interpretation, a song very close to the public and very emotional and endearing, performed with a lot of feeling. It would become one of the most regular songs at Elvis concerts.
There is a curious anecdote: The interpreter Ray Peterson, who made this song a success in 1959, tells us: "Elvis asked me if I
It wouldn't matter if he recorded 'The Wonder of You'. I told him: 'You don't have to ask my permission, you're Elvis Presley! '... And Elvis said to me: 'Yes, I know. And you are Ray Peterson' . One more sample of the greatness of Elvis, of his simplicity, of his humility and of his enormous respect for the rest of the artists... Values ​​that always survived in Elvis. It was the pianist, Glen D. Hardin, who asked composer Baker Knight for this song, so that Elvis would perform it. Backer Night was a great admirer and fan of Elvis and was delighted to
that he will perform one of his songs and when he heard him sing it on stage he was absolutely blown away. The song was recorded on February 19, 1970 live at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, for release on the LP "On Stage", which RCA planned to release after the concerts were over and which would be their second album. live. It would also be released in April 1970 as an A-side single, along with Mama Liked the Roses on the B-side. "When no one else can understand me When everything I do is wrong You give me hope and comfort You give me strength to carry on. And you're always there to lend me a hand In everything I do That's the wonderful thing The wonderful thing about you..."
An authentic "wonder" that always excites us when listening to it...
That wonder that you are, forever and ever: Elvis Presley...
https://youtu.be/jVzueXIXy3I


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"My Babe"

Songs to Remember

The song "My Babe" was originally written, as a Chicago blues song and blues standard, by Willie Dixon for Little Walter, who recorded it in 1955. Elvis made it his own and included it in the repertoire of his triumphant return to Las Vegas in August 1969 at The International Hotel. RCA wanted to release a live album of these shows and therefore collected recordings of the concerts of this first season of Elvis in Las Vegas. The song "My Babe" was recorded live during the Midnight Show on August 25, 1969 at the International Hotel and was released on October 14 of the same year on the double album ''From Memphis to Vegas/ from Vegas to Memphis". A peculiar album, already which was the first double album to be released by Elvis in his discography and the first to release songs live. Elvis's interpretation of this song is absolutely brutal, a wild, fierce interpretation, full of relentless and overwhelming force and fury .OR a song that leaves you breathless and that when you finish listening to it you feel as if a steamroller had run over you and your heart was going to come out of your chest. The wildest Elvis in its purest form, had come back again with songs like this, to break all audience records, make the city of Las Vegas his own and show the world that Elvis Presley and his music were eternally alive...
"Following the path of the King..."

From Tupelo to Memphis 45 http://www.ivoox.com/35103041


Songs to Remember.

"It´s your baby, you rock it"

A song with a rather particular anecdote. It has to do with its title. A song composed by Shirl Milete who had already composed "My Little Friend" and had been recorded a year earlier at American Sound Studios, this time signed with the collaboration of Nora Fowler. Nora was Lamar Fike's wife and she wasn't really a songwriter. But the story by which she became co-author of this song is curious.
The history of the song has to do with an anecdote in which Elvis called Lamar Fike on the phone. Shirl Milete had already composed songs since 1966 and Elvis had already noticed his work, and again wanted to count on him for new recordings. for your future albums. In total he would compose 4 songs for Elvis, "It's your baby, you rock it", "Life", "My little friend" and "When I'm over you". This is how Milete met Elvis Presley by phone: Account the author who did not know Elvis in person and who one day was in the Hill and Range office waiting for Lamar Fike who had asked him to collaborate on the songs that were going to be recorded. Lamar Fike had gone out to run some errands, leaving the composer alone for a few minutes. He told Shirl Milete that if the phone rang to please answer it for him. The phone rang and a voice was heard saying: "You fucking son of a bitch", that kind of swear words...
Someone said "I'm going to kill you fat son of a bitch!" , after hearing all these words, he repeated again... "Stop what you are doing, I will kill you if you don't come..." and Shirl Milete who had listened to him patiently said: "I am waiting and I am not Lamar Fike" and he said "Who the hell are you" and the songwriter said "I'm Shirl Milete". He said "Well tell that fat son of a bitch he should be here with Lisa Marie, I need him and I'm going to kill him" and Milete said, "I'm sorry and congratulations on the girl" Then he calmed down and said "I'm so sorry huh, I'm just kidding... I'd like to record your songs..."
The title of the song was inspired by an expression of Elvis Presley This would really start when Elvis said to Lamar: "It's ok you're baby you rock it", one day with Lamar who was busy, he had engaged Elvis for something, but he was doing something else. Elvis told Lamar: "it's your boy move it", Lamar Fike stayed with that phrase and later called Milete, calling him one day to exclaim: " I have the best title in the world!" Milete, who finally composed the song in 10 minutes, told him that he would put him as a co-writer of the song for the suggestion and Lamar told him that he had no right to what he did not want, but if he wanted to put to someone who named his wife Nora Fawler and for this Nora became co-author of the song with great enthusiasm on his part. A country-style ballad song, quite particular in the voice of Elvis, and with the curious response harmonica phrasing and guitar solo...Recorded June 5, 1970 at RCA Studio B in Nashville. It was included in Elvis Country, Elvis in Nashville, Walk A Mile in My Shoes, The Nashville Marathon, etc. It's a nice easy song, with a country style accompaniment and also easy. The story of a song where a friend offers support to another in relation to an unhappy relationship with which he had a previous relationship... and his advice. "You offered me a penny for my thoughts..." my thoughts..

From Tupelo to Memphis 48 part 2
http://www.ivoox.com/42264029

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Guow92K6I

                                                             los cuatrojpg


"From Young Artist to Myth". Songs to remember

"My baby left me"

El día 29 de julio de 1970 se vuelve a ensayar en los estudios MGM en Culver City. Continúan esta vez a puerta cerrada, sin las cámaras, pero afortunadamente se registraron para poderse escuchar. De nuevo Elvis incluye en estos ensayos canciones del momento y canciones de sus inicios que van a volver a tocar con intención de incluir en repertorio...
Elvis canta con una voz un poco rasgada, diferente a como canta los temas del actual 1970. Realmente parece la intención de poderlo cantar parecido a la grabación original. Pero es imposible tanto vocalmente e instrumentalmente. La canción aunque en la misma línea musical suena tan diré rente, que la intención se pierde en la realidad. Los músicos, evidentemente, con otro ritmo y acompañamiento diferente, también más contemporáneo y la guitarra solista nos llevan a otra interpretación y por supuesto el bajo y la batería igual.
Pero lo más interesante es escuchar el cambio en la voz de Elvis Presley. La tonalidad en la partitura es lógicamente otra, puesto que la canción se ha transportado a otra más grave, un tono por debajo de la original anterior. La maduración vocal de un intérprete siempre va evolucionado y el timbre con el tiempo puede engrosarse o cambiar con el paso de los años...
Es lo lógico, ley de vida... No tiene por que ser algo negativo, sino simplemente la voz de Elvis era más madura, su experiencia y evolución como artista era ya muy grande. Y su grandiosidad con el tiempo se ve reflejada en su actual momento, pero en otro tipo de repertorio. Elvis sabía que ya nunca podría cantar estas canciones con las que inició su rumbo musical o, en cualquier caso, estaba volviendo a rememorar viejos tiempos.

Este es el enlace de la grabación del año 1956.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR8sxX0GoFo
Esta es la grabación que se hizo el 29 de Julio de 1970.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hK5H9-Aveg

Alguna de estas canciones como "My Baby Left me", por el estilo y por lo antes descrito era ya imposible cantarla igual. Pero es claro que muchos artistas quieren mantener en repertorio canciones de sus inicios o canciones que fueron éxitos y seguirán interpretándoslas de otra manera y es inevitable que el público, con el tiempo, siempre pida canciones de siempre.
La canción fue compuesta por el maestro de Rhythm and blues Arthur Crudup, quien era uno de los grandes autores admirado por Elvis. Su canción "That´s All Right Mama" con la que Elvis registró su voz en un single que por primera vez se escucharía en la radio... Y a partir de ahí, formaría parte de la historia como intérprete de un nuevo estilo musical llamado Rock and Roll.
"My baby Left me" fue grabada en la Rca en los nuevos estudios de New York, el día 30 de enero de 1956 y publicada el 4 mayo de 1956, vendió 1.3 millones de discos, como cara B del tema "I want you ,I need you, I love you".
Era el segundo single para la RCA, pero con el espirítu aún de la Sun Records.
En 1970 fue incluída en estos ensayos para la película "That´s the way it is" y con motivo de los conciertos que se van a realizar en el Hotel International de las Vegas en Agosto- Septiembre. Pero aunque tocaría en ensayo realmente no se llegó a interpretar finalmente en el escenario en esta temporada. Elvis sí la cantaría años después. Se decidiría a incluirla en concierto, en media docena de veces en el año 1974. Pero esta es una futura historia...
"Siguiendo el Camino de el Rey..."


Canciones para el recuerdo

"I was the one"

On July 29, 1970, it was rehearsed again at the MGM studios in Culver City. They continue this time behind closed doors, without the cameras, but fortunately they registered so that they could be heard. Once again, Elvis includes in these rehearsals songs of the moment and songs from his beginnings that they are going to play again with the intention of including them in the repertoire... Elvis sings with a slightly scratchy voice, different from how he sings the songs of the current 1970. Really it seems the intention of being able to sing it similar to the original recording. But it's impossible both vocally and instrumentally. The song, although in the same musical line, sounds so rente, that the intention is lost in reality. The musicians, obviously, with a different rhythm and accompaniment, also more contemporary, and the solo guitar lead us to another interpretation and of course the bass and the drums are the same. But the most interesting thing is listening to the change in Elvis Presley's voice. The tonality in the score is logically different, since the song has been transposed to a more serious one, one tone below the previous original. The vocal maturation of a performer is always evolving and the timbre over time can thicken or change over the years... It's logical, law of life... It doesn't have to be something negative, but simply the voice of Elvis was more mature, his experience and evolution as an artist was already great. And his greatness over time is reflected in his current moment, but in another type of repertoire. Elvis knew that he would never be able to sing these songs with which he began his musical journey or, in any case, he was reminiscing about the old days. This is the link to the recording from 1956. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WR8sxX0GoFoThis is the recording that was made on July 29, 1970.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hK5H9-AvegSome of these songs like "My Baby Left me", for the style and for what was described above it was already impossible to sing it the same. But it is clear that many artists want to keep songs from their beginnings or songs that were hits in their repertoire and will continue to interpret them in a different way and it is inevitable that the public, over time, will always ask for traditional songs. The song was composed by the master of Rhythm and blues Arthur Crudup, who was one of the great authors admired by Elvis. His song "That's All Right Mama" with which Elvis recorded his voice on a single that would be heard on the radio for the first time... And from then on, he would become part of history as an interpreter of a new musical style called Rock and Roll. "My baby Left me" was recorded on the Rca in the new studios in New York, on January 30, 1956 and published on May 4, 1956, sold 1.3 million records, as the B-side of the theme "I want you, I need you, I love you". It was the second single for RCA, but still with the spirit of Sun Records. In 1970 it was included in these rehearsals for the movie "That's the way it is " and on the occasion of the concerts that will be held at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in August-September. But although it would play in rehearsal, it was not really performed on stage this season.
Elvis would sing it years later. He would make up his mind to include her in concert, half a dozen times in the year 1974.
But this is a future story...

"Following the Path of the King..."

"Polk salad Annie"

"Songs that speak to us from the heart and memory...""Polk Salad Annie"

"

There are songs that are never forgotten, pure and electrifying energy that runs through our body transmitted by a voice that penetrates our spirit, raises it to the maximum and leads it immersed in a story. Curiously, they are songs that in the voice and feeling of someone special mark a indescribable impact on the public. They are songs that are adopted as if they were their own and describe vivid and intense moments that are not forgotten. The sound of the drumming of the bass penetrates our inner rhythm, the singing of the guitar makes its entrance and the story in The artist's voice begins... The incessant rhythm of the drums that follows the body, the clapping and accompanying rhythmic voices that break with the piano improvising... The audience responds immersed in the artist's voice and movements... And nothing else is needed... It's the magic of the Show... From Elvis Presley. The singer and songwriter from Louisiana, Tony Joe White was the songwriter and singer of the song "Polk Salad Annie" Original from Louisiana, Ton and Joe White made his song into a hit single in the summer of 1969. The simple song tells of a plant that grows in the woods and fields, and looks like a green turnip, which is used for cooking that families humble people had to cook and the story of Annie, who could have been a southern girl from the country... Like Elvis who grew up humble in a poor house, his mother also cooked with this herb... Curiously, when the theme was released, many thought that Polkera marijuana. For Elvis this story transported him back in time to his childhood to his experience and made him remember his mother and everything she meant to humble people... A story that he assimilated as if it were his own, confessing to his composer that he might even have been able to write the lyrics...Rhythm and atmosphere gave the rest to this song that Elvis liked so much and did not do without for years in Concert.For Tony Joe White, this was exciting, as he performed many songs of e Elvis when he started. Elvis arranged for White, who was living in Memphis at the time, to travel to Las Vegas so he could be in the audience for the concerts that were held. He recounts that after the performances he was fortunate to sit with Elvis in his dressing room. chatting, hanging out...I had an old acoustic guitar there and I always had him play old blues songs...He liked to learn everything he heard...The rhythm, the interpretation, the improvisation of the theme changed with time and the years, and above all his interpretation, his movement, the musical air that always responded to the artist's thoughts and mood...Despite not being a catchy or commercial theme, this song has become a classic in performances of Elvis for its special meaning and its characteristic interpretation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIBkHfZV_lg

Songs to Remember
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"


On March 15, 1971, the song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was included in the recording session that took place at La Rca studio B in Nashville. A song written by Ewan McColl for his wife Peggy Seeger in 1957, which would be included in his repertoire. A folk song that became well known for various versions in the sixties, with the rise of Folk. Elvis heard it for the version made by Peter, Paul and Mary, in the mid-sixties. But Elvis really liked to watch Clint Eastwood movies, so surely this song would also be heard in a different style, in the voice of Roberta Flack, in Eastwood's movie "Play Misty for me" in 1969. The singer would win the award Grammy for this song three years later, but with a recording with a different feel to the first one. Elvis liked folk songs and wanted to perform this song accompanied by another voice, as a duo... And Joyce's opinion would also influence him Bova, the relationship he had at that time, which suggested including it in his repertoire.
The intention was to record accompanied by Ginger Holliday during the session, but it would not be to his liking and he would try it with Temple Riser, but the idea was finally discarded because nobody liked it. It may be due to the annoyance that Elvis had at that time, although it would be more likely that listening does not blend the voices as it should in a duo of this type, which would lead to discarding these duos and thinking only of Elvis's voice. Felton Jarvis, the producer of Elvis, would opt for a solo vocal dub for his release. Obviously in concert it would be done in a different way with the support of Charlie Hodge and the choir accompanying the main voice...
An example in concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhd1etlvj3s

The version recorded in the studio that performed Elvis, has since appeared on "Elvis Aron Presley" and "Walk A Mile In My Shoes." Elvis added the song to his live concert repertoire in 1973. The FTD release "Closing Night" features a live version of this song, while 2004's "Elvis On Tour-The Rehearsals" contains a studio rehearsal of the year previous. FTD's 2006 release, "I Found My Thrill," features an early 1974 performance dedicated to his then-girlfriend Sheila Ryan. Other live versions are on the FTD release "An American Trilogy". An endearing theme, a very romantic song that talks about the first time, the birth of a feeling, a moment that remains in the memory as something special." the Way of the King..."

(the duets performed with Ginger Holliday and Temple Riser

)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzAB_PphZ3k


"Love Me, Love The Life I Lead"


On the last day of recording in May 1971, Elvis would record a song that at this period in his life would make perfect sense to perform. "Love Me, Love The Life I Lead", a song composed by Tony Macaulay and Roger Greenaway. It was the 21st of May, and the song was a theme that started in a soft and sensitive way to go into a rhythmic and catchy tone accompanying the chorus... The song began with a chorus in verse. When Elvis recorded it, they started with the chorus, which was fine, and used the verse as a bridge and then went back to the chorus again, which would give a very interesting contrast to a different song. There's a verse missing that they never used. Although the treatment of the accompaniment and the voices were not entirely well attuned with the voice of Elvis. But even with all this it is a curious song at a time when Elvis followed his path in his way without looking or thinking much about the consequences.
Songwriter Tony Macaulay said that Elvis made an impression on him on the recording, not having rehearsed his song much, although he was very happy that he sang it. He got some words wrong and it sounded like he did it in two takes. He had a wonderful choir, which he didn't like very much. Really what he thought is that he made it as one more song of a massive production and this made it lose all intimacy for him. He considered that he did not take the interest to perform the song correctly.
Even with all this he was happy that he had included his song in his repertoire. He was a hit songwriter and producer of songs like "Baby Now That I've Found You", "Build Me Up Buttercup", "Sorry Suzanne", etc. He met him in the studio and spent a few hours with him at Graceland and was blown away just to have the chance to be with Elvis Presley...living history. Roger Greenaway, the other composer, would have a similar opinion, since the result of the song did not excite him in the end. Although his admiration for Elvis was also unquestionable, he felt that they did not take enough time or interest to perfect a song that could have had a different result.
Although it is true that the song could have been done, in the production, in another way, since Elvis's work was good, his voice interpreted the song well but the result does not fit, the change and the choral accompaniment are strange also. A song with many possibilities but with little result. It was included on the album "The Fool" in 1973. An alternative appeared on the 2007 FTD release "I Sing All Kinds". and in his married life or of any other kind... A song, which translated into his relationship with Priscilla, means that he accepts him as he is, that he is as he is, and accepts him and loves his life. The lyrics were very significant for Elvis... his way of life, it was as the lyrics said, his way of loving was to accept him as he was and live his life...

"I am not a wise man nor am I a fool But I am the way the good Lord made me Though I need you more than you can understand I can't wear a face that betrays me Oh!
If you're gonna love me, love the life I lead I need the things I need, don't try to change me
If you're gonna accept me, accept me for who I am I can't be another man, I can't be free 'Cause that's the life I lead, it's the life I lead
Money in my pocket never lasts too long
I've bet on the road and drowned my sorrows
Though God knows I can't pretend to be better off alone
I can't promise you a new tomorrow Oh!
If you're gonna love me, love the life I lead I need the things I need, don't try to change me
If you're going to accept me, accept me for who I am I can't be another man, I can't be free 'Cause that's the life I lead It's the life I lead."

https://youtu.be/HTrJElWwa5E

"Following the path of the King..."


"Siguiendo el camino de el Rey..."

"It´s Impossible"











Songs to Remember.
The eternal music. A performer would be nobody without a good score... his voice captures in the notes, with his lyrics, in the melody, all the feelings written at some point by a composer. And obviously a score would never become known, without a good performer who makes us move to another time, another sensation... A voice that makes us feel and live in that written music that comes to life through a voice, a piano , an orchestra...
Elvis Presley has much to thank all those composers who offered their feelings through their writings, without them he could not have gotten anywhere because he was not a composer and it is true that a singer has to sing a score . But it is also clear that these composers also have to be grateful that their music was interpreted by someone like Elvis Presley, who was able to make us live through his songs, lived and felt in his voice. In many cases he made known songs that would never have been discovered and others he made them even greater than the voice of their creators... When a score is born, it is the same as in the artist, the reproduction of the moment, of inspiration... what gives it life and makes it eternal is its interpretation.
Elvis Presley was lucky enough to work with good composers, who although they appreciated his interpretation, some of them like Armando Manzanero, would not need anything more than his own music to become great and eternal. Elvis sang only one of his songs adapted into his language by Syd Wayne. The song "Somos Novios" composed by Armando Manzanero, which was already a success since the 1960s, and which would be recorded in its author's voice in 1968, would be translated by Wayne and recorded by Perry Como in 1970, under the title "It' It's impossible." A success also in English, which has been sung by Luis Miguel, Cristina Aguilera, Andy Williams... The song "It's Impossible" would form part of Elvis' live repertoire in 1972.
His performance on February 16, 1972, would be recorded and included in the album "The Fool". Later this song was included in "Pure Gold", "Walk a mile in my shoes", "Burning love", "Live in Las Vegas", "Love Elvis", "An American Trilogy", etc. A pity that more songs by this great author were not chosen. His music further enhanced the legend of other artists, who would make his song even more eternal... like Luis Miguel, the "Sun"...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWr5rQB46qQ

Armando Manzanero was born one day before Elvis, in Mexico, he was a composer, pianist, singer, actor, musical producer and genius... he gave his life for and for music and has been recognized in life as one of the greatest composers and they gave the nickname of "King of Romanticism". A small man in size, but big in heart and soul, who will go down in history for his eternal songs... "This afternoon I saw rain", "I miss you", "We are boyfriends", "I learned with you", etc. His music it endures in the memory, in those moments that we live day by day and in which we would like to live.
Armando Manzanero An eternal composer

"Proud Mary"

Songs to Remember

"PROUD MARY"

by John Fogerty.
Sahara Tahoe Hotel. July 20 to August 2, 1971. Elvis added this recent Creedence Clearwater Revival hit to his Sahara Tahoe Hotel repertoire in July 1971. He had already performed this song in January 1970, for his second season of performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. John Fogerty, the composer and singer of the rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival, had a great success with this song in 1969. Fogerty was an artist with a wide vocal range and also one of the great guitarists of the moment. His rivalry as a composer with the rest of the group made him leave the band to make his artistic life alone from the year 1973, although he would not have the same success.
This song has been heavily covered. The best known version was that of Tina Turner, who also made it unforgettable. It is a song that greatly encourages the audience and Elvis liked to perform it live, although curiously he had never recorded it in a studio. The recording that was made of the performance in Las Vegas on February 16, 1970, was included in the "On Stage" Album.

It is a song that suits him very well, vocally it fits with his range and it is perfect to perform live, so Elvis would feel very comfortable singing this score in front of his audience. It was a moment of animation and in which the public gave free rein to his enthusiasm, with rhythm. For this reason he continued to sing it until 1972 on occasions and later in 1974. Elvis's interpretation varies according to his mood, in the tempo that is performed in performance, he always did good interpretations of "Proud Mary". The song was featured in the 1972 documentary Elvis on Tour. Live versions of the song can be found at: "Elvis, As recorded At Madison Square Garden", "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", "An Afternoon In The Garden" , "Live In Las Vegas", "Elvis: Close Up" , "Viva Las Vegas", plus the FTD releases "Polk Salad Annie", "An American Trilogy", etc. A song that, sung live by Elvis, invited you to dance and let yourself go...

"Following the Path of the King..."

https://youtu.be/Ucag6Ftv4i0







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