Elvis 
Presley
The Originals
Information about original versions of numbers recorded by Elvis Presley.
(Please note that this list only includes numbers that were recorded by someone before Elvis's own version: it does not include numbers that Elvis recorded first!)
If you have any information or comments, contact me.
WARNING: This site is designed to be used with modern CSS2-compliant browsers. It would appear that you are using an outdated browser. This site will work and look better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device (I think!).
Last update: Saturday, 20 March 2010; 490 numbers listed!
If I'm A Fool (For Loving You) recorded by Elvis on Friday, 21 February 1969;
Studio
Written by: Kesler
Originally recorded by Jimmy Clanton or Bobby Wood in 1964
Hear Elvis's version on: From Nashville to Memphis (5)
Jimmy Clanton is perhaps best remembered, if at all, for his starring role in Alan Freed's 1959 film "Go, Johnny, Go." He was drafted in 1961 but fared less well than Elvis, having just one post-service hit, "Venus In Blue Jeans," in late 1962. The latter number was, of course, the inspiration for that great British eccentric and rocker Screaming Lord Such's own "Monster In Black Tights"! His recording of "If I'm A Fool" was released in mid 1964 on the Philips label (Philips 40208) as the B-side of "A Million Drums."
Bobby Wood recorded "If I'm A Fool," but it is not known if his recording preceded that of Clanton's. Wood's version was released on Joy 285 in 1964 and was listed in the WKLO Tunedex in Louisville for the week of 27 June 1964. Wood was a keyboard session musician; amongst the artists he backed were Elvis, for whom he worked on his 1969 "From Elvis In Memphis" album and other sessions. One of the numbers he played on for Elvis was "If I'm A Fool (For Loving You)."
Recording dates for Clanton's and Wood's versions, please! contact me.
If That Isn't Love recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 16 December 1973;
Studio
Written by: Rambo
Originally recorded by The Rambos in 1969
Hear Elvis's version on: Amazing Grace (CD2)
Dottie Rambo, who wrote this number, formed The Rambos together with husband Buck and released her composition on Vista. It is said that Dottie Rambo has written more than 1,500 songs!
If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side recorded by Elvis on Friday, 27 May 1966;
Studio
Written by: Slaughter
Originally recorded by Claiborne Brothers Quartette in 1963
Hear Elvis's version on: How Great Thou Art; Amazing Grace (CD1)
Henry Slaughter, who wrote this number in 1961 was a pianist with The Imperials. The story goes that Elvis was so pleased with his own recording, on which he duets with Jake Hess, that he had the Meditation Garden in Graceland built.
If We Never Meet Again recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 30 October 1960;
Studio
Written by: Albert Brumley
Originally recorded by Brown's Ferry Four in 1946
Hear Elvis's version on: His Hand In Mine; Amazing Grace (CD 1)
Albert Brumley was born in the Choctaw Nation (now part of Oklahoma) in October, 1905. He is probably the best-known 20th century gospel music writer in America. He wrote his most successful gospel song in 1929—"I'll Fly Away"—and it was first published in 1932. "Turn Your Radio On" was another of an estimated 600 to 800 compositions. Another Brumley song recorded (though unofficially during the "Million Dollar Quartet" session) by Elvis is "Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand" (see above). Brumley died in November 1977.
Brown's Ferry Four was formed originally in 1943 for a series of radio programmes on WLW Cincinnati, being made up of four performers who were also active in their own right: Grandpa Jones, Merle Travis and Alton and Rabon Delmore (the Delmore Brothers). The Delmore Brothers had had a hit with a song called "Brown's Ferry Blues" and hence the group's name. The original members had left for various reasons by the early 1950s, but the radio station continued with the programme using other singers. Brown Ferry's Four's version of "If We Never Meet Again" was recorded in 1946 and released on King 577 in 1947.
If You Don't Come Back recorded by Elvis on Saturday, 21 July 1973;
Studio
Written by: Leiber; Stoller
Originally recorded by The Drifters in 1963
Hear Elvis's version on: Raised On Rock
The Drifters were originally formed in 1953, with no less than Clyde McPhatter as the lead singer of the quartet. Their debut single, "Money Honey" (also recorded by Elvis) became a number one in the USA, with the label reading "Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters." Other successes followed, despite McPhatter's having to leave the group to do national service (and after that he decided on a solo career). Problems between the group and its manager, who owned the name, led to the group being fired in 1958 and the members of another group, The Five Crowns, being given the name. This new Drifters group gained perhaps even more success than the original. At one time, Ben E. King was the lead singer, but it is Johnny Moore who takes the lead on "If You Don't Come Back." (Note that this is not the same Johnny Moore who sang with the Three Blazers.)
If You Love Me (Let Me Know) recorded by Elvis on Friday, 6 June 1975;
Studio
Written by: Rostill
Originally recorded by Olivia Newton John in 1974
Hear Elvis's version on: Elvis In Concert; Moody Blue
John Rostill was a former member of the famous British guitar group, The Shadows. He died in 1973, aged just 31. See also Let Me Be There. Olivia Newton John is a right mixture: she was born in England of a Welsh father and a German mother; she was taken to Australia when she was 5 years old. After winning an Australian talent contest, she moved back to England in 1965 to try for a career in entertainment. After a not too auspicious start, she finally made the big time.
In My Father's House recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 30 October 1960;
Studio
Written by: Aileene Hanks
Originally recorded by The Blackwood Brothers in 1954
Hear Elvis's version on: His Hand In Mine; Amazing Grace CD 1
Elvis's 70s bass singer, the late J.D. Sumner, was a member of the Blackwood Brothers from 1954 until 1965. The Blackwood Brothers group was formed as a quartet in 1934 and then consisted of three brothers, Roy, Doyle and James together with R.W. Blackwood, Roy's son.
In The Garden recorded by Elvis on Friday, 27 May 1966;
Studio
Written by: Miles
Originally recorded by Rodeheaver and Asher in 1916
Hear Elvis's version on: How Great Thou Art; Amazing Grace (CD 1)
C. Austin Miles wrote this number, whose complete title is "(He Walks With Me) In The Garden," in 1912 after music publisher Adam Geibel asked him to write a hymn text that would be "sympathetic in tone, breathing tenderness in every line; one that would bring hope to the hopeless, rest for the weary, and downy pillows to dying beds." Well, it's a nice song and Elvis sings it wonderfully! Homer Rodheaver was a pioneer in gospel music recording, making his first records for Victor in 1913, but he also made records for several other companies. He continued to record until the 1940s. He recorded "In The Garden" 9 times, the earliest version probably being in duet with Virginia Asher, made in February 1916 and released the following July on Victor 18020. (A recording by Ada Jones and George Ballard of a number called "In The Garden" and made in 1914, concerns a different song.)
It Ain't No Big Thing (But It's Growing) recorded by Elvis on Saturday, 6 June 1970;
Studio
Written by: Merritt; Joy; Hall
Originally recorded by Charlie Louvin in 1968
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters (CD 3)
In 1955 Elvis was the opening act for a show starring Charlie Louvin as part of the Louvin Brothers. Elvis's recording came about after he picked up a guitar during a session and started playing the intro to the number. Charlie Louvin's version was recorded for his second album "Hey Daddy," released in December 1968 on Capitol ST-142. The track was listed as "It's Not A Big Thing." The copyright to this song dates from 1965, however, so perhaps an earlier version exists.
It Hurts Me recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 12 January 1964;
Studio
Written by: Daniels
Originally recorded by Jerry Jackson in 1963
Hear Elvis's version on: From Nashville To Memphis (Essential 60's Masters) CD 3
Sadly, little is known about the singer of the original of this wonderful ballad. The most detail that the sleevenotes of a CD collection of his work say is, "Jerry Jackson was an R&B-pop singer in New York in the early 1960s and his New York ska version of Shrimp Boats has become a cult club favorite in Europe," and that's just about as much as anyone seems to know! He recorded for two labels, Kapp and Columbia, between 1961 and 1964, but enjoyed little success. His original version of "It Hurts Me" was recorded for Kapp on 2 July 1963, but, although it was given a master number (K543), it was not released at the time and, indeed, had to wait until 1990 to finally appear on a Bear Family compilation. Charlie Daniels, who wrote this song together with Joy Byers, is the same Charlie Daniels who had a big hit with "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" at the end of the next decade.
It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) recorded by Elvis on Saturday, 19 January 1957;
Studio
Written by: Hamblen
Originally recorded by Stuart Hamblen in 1950
Hear Elvis's version on: Elvis' Christmas Album; The Complete 50's Masters 3; Amazing Grace (CD 1)
Elvis's version was originally released as part of the "Peace In The Valley" EP in 1957. Stuart Hamblen was a western film star and the leader of a C&W band before his conversion to Christianity. He then went on to write and record several gospel numbers, of which this is undoubtedly the most well known (another of his numbers recorded by Elvis is "Known Only To Him"). He also had his own radio programme, "Cowboy Church Of The Air" from 1938 until 1952. The story goes that Stuart Hamblen got the idea for the song from John Wayne, who said the title to him as Hamblen, a sometime film actor, was leaving his home in a depressive mood.
It Keeps Right On A Hurtin' recorded by Elvis on Thursday, 20 February 1969;
Studio
Written by: Johnny Tillotson
Originally recorded by Johnny Tillotson in 1962
Hear Elvis's version on: From Elvis in Memphis; From Nashville to Memphis (5)
Elvis co-star Shelley Fabares (California Holiday, Clambake, Girl Happy) recorded this number in 1962. Perhaps she mentioned it to him on the film set... Tillotson's original reached number 3 in Billboard's Hot 100 chart and number 4 in the Country chart. Tillotson recorded the number whilst doing his army service (in fact, he recorded a full album!) and some advertisements for the record showed him in army uniform, naming him Private Johnny Tillotson!
It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You recorded by Elvis on Monday, 4 January 1954;
Studio
Written by: Wakely; Rose
Originally recorded by Al Rogers And His Rocky Mountain Boys in 1950 (?)
Hear Elvis's version on: Sunrise
Elvis visited the Memphis Recording Service to make his second personal recording in January 1954, coupling "I'll Never Stand In Your Way" with "It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You." As far as I can ascertain, Al Rogers only ever had two records released, both on 78s, but for two different companies, Capitol and MGM; his version of "It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You" was released on MGM 10709 as the B-side of "Shuffle-Boogie Bellhop."
It's A Sin recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 12 March 1961;
Studio
Written by: Rose; Turner
Originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1946
Hear Elvis's version on: Something For Everybody; From Nashville to Memphis (1)
Eddy Arnold's original was recorded on 24 september 1946. In 1947 it stayed at the number 1 position of the US Contry charts for five weeks. Tom Parker managed Eddy Arnold for several years before dropping him (or was it a case of Arnold dropping Parker...?) when he saw great big dollar signs in the shape of Elvis Presley. Eddy Arnold died in May 2008.
It's A Sin To Tell A Lie recorded by Elvis on ?, 1966;
Informal
Written by: Mayhew
Originally recorded by Freddy Ellis and His Orchestra in 1936
Hear Elvis's version on: In A Private Moment
Billy Mayhew copyrighted his number, "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie," in 1933, so it is possible that an earlier recording than that of Freddy Ellis's exists. Ellis's recording was made on 18 February 1936 for Conqueror. The number has been recorded by just about everyone, from Billie Holliday to Vera Lynn—quite a contrast! Elvis's home recording, however, is based more on that of the wonderful Ink Spots, a group he was very fond of—and rightly so!—and he even provides a Bill Kenny-like recitation.
It's Been So Long Darling recorded by Elvis on After April 1959;
Informal
Written by: Tubb
Originally recorded by Ernest Tubb in 1945
Hear Elvis's version on: Platinum, A Life In Music; In A Private Moment
This was a number one on the Country Chart for Tubb and one of his biggest hits during his long career. On the set "Platinum: A Life In Music" the number is included as part of a track called "The Bad Nauheim Medley," (Elvis's house was in Bad Nauheim), which further includes "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen," "I Will Be True," "Apron Strings" and "There's No Tomorrow."
It's Different Now recorded by Elvis on Saturday, 21 July 1973;
Studio
Written by: Westlake
Originally recorded by Cilla Black in 1970
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 4
Clive Westlake composed many, many pop hits during the 1960s and 1970s, for artists such as The Hollies, Dusty Springfield, Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, and Tom Jones. He was born in Wales, but moved to Nashville in 1980, where he died in 2000. Other Westlake songs recorded by Elvis are "How The Web Was Woven," "Twenty Days And Twenty Nights" and "It's A Matter Of Time."
Cilla Black was born Priscilla White in Liverpool in 1943. She worked as a cloakroom attendant (and for American readers, that's not the same as a toilet lady) in The Cavern, where she became friendly with the still-to-become-famous Beatles and other Liverpool acts. She would occasionally perform at The Cavern and in 1963 became manager Brian Epstein's only female act. She went on to enjoy great recording successes and then to become a top television personality. Her version of "It's Different Now," probably written for her by Clive Westlake, appeared on her album "Images," released in early 1971.
For some reason, Elvis's version drops the first verse and is often listed as "It's Diff'rent Now."
It's Impossible recorded by Elvis on Wednesday, 16 February 1972;
Studio
Written by: Dieval; Rivgauche; Wayne
Originally recorded by Kathy Kirby in 1965
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 5
Perry Como's 1971 hit version is the original with the same title, but the song has a far more complicated history, dating back as far as 1960. In that year the singer Frédérica took part in the national elimination rounds to find the song to represent France in that year's Eurovision Song Contest. One of the numbers she sang was entitled "J'ai le mal de toi," with music by Jack Dieval and lyrics by Michel Rivgauche. The song did not make it to the ESC and seems not to have been recorded. In 1965 "J'ai le mal de toi" reappeared in Belgium as an entry in a BRT radio programme (Muziek Ohne Grenzen), sung by Lily Castel; again it would seem that no recording was made. The text was then translated into both English and Dutch and recorded by the delicious Kathy Kirby as "The Way of Love" and by Conny Vandenbos as "Je Doet Me Pijn" respectively. Kirby's recording was made in June 1965 and Vandenbos's in September of that same year. Other recordings and languages followed (including the Spanish version "Somos Novios" by Armando Manzareno) until Sid Wayne provided the famous "It's Impossible" lyrics in 1970, leading to Perry Como's comeback version that went on to be covered by many, many others.
It's My Way recorded by Elvis on Monday, 17 February 1969;
Studio
Written by: Pierce; Walker
Originally recorded by Webb Pierce in 1956
Hear Elvis's version on: From Nashville to Memphis
Webb Pierce originally recorded his own composition in 1956 on that most auspicious of dates, 6 November. The recording was released on the Decca 9-30155 single the following month, coupled with "Tired Of Living." Elvis sings just a line or two of the song (almost unrecognizable as such) at the start of his February set of American Studios sessions. Pierce was born on 8 August 1926 in Monroe, Louisiana. Durint he 1940s he recorded for Four Star Records and was signed in 1951 by Decca. He and not Elvis, as is often thought, was the singer with the swimming-pool in the shape of a guitar. Pierce remained with Decca until 1975, when he moved to Shelby Singleton's Plantation label. Webb Pierce died on 24 February, 1991.
It's Now Or Never recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 3 April 1960;
Studio
Written by: Capurro; di Capua; Mazzucchi; Schroeder; Gold
Originally recorded by Francesco Daddi in 1901
Hear Elvis's version on: From Nashville to Memphis (1); ELV1S 30 #1 Hits
What counts as an original? Elvis liked a 1949 Tony Martin number called "There's No Tomorrow" and recorded private versions of the song whilst on army service in Germany. But "There's No Tomorrow" was itself based on a much older Italian number called "O Sole Mio," which was written in 1898 by Di Capua when he was travelling in the Ukraine. In 1973, documents were presented to the Italian court, showing that Mazzucchi was co-author of the number.
Just three years after its composition, the Italian tenor Francesco Daddi made a recording of "O Sole Mio" at the end of 1901 in Milan for the Zonophone label (532). Daddi was born in 1864 and made his stage debut in Milan in 1891. He became the foremost tenor in Italy, but moved to the USA in 1907 to perform at the Manhattan Opera. Later he performed comic bass roles in Chicago until 1920. Daddi died in 1945.
New lyrics were provided for Elvis by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold and a demo was made by David Hill.
It's Only Love recorded by Elvis on Thursday, 20 May 1971;
Studio
Written by: Mark James; Steve Tyrell
Originally recorded by B.J. Thomas in 1969
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 1
B.J. (Billy Joe) Thomas enjoyed considerable success in the USA from the mid 1960s to the late 1980s in both pop and country fields. He also had some international success, notably with his recording of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." "It's Only Love" was the issued on Scepter 12244. Since the late 1980s he has been active in the field of Christian music. Mark James also wrote "Always On My Mind," "Moody Blue," and "Suspicious Minds."
It's Over recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 14 January 1973;
Concert
Written by: Rodgers
Originally recorded by Jimmie Rodgers in 1966
Hear Elvis's version on: Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite; Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 5
The song is not to be confused with Roy Orbison's 1961 success. The original artist is not to be confused with the "real" Jimmie Rodgers, "The Singing Brakeman." Another cover by Elvis of a Jimmie Rodgers original was "Froggy Went a'Courtin'."
Jambalaya (On The Bayou) recorded by Elvis on Saturday, 7 June 1975;
One-liner
Written by: Williams
Originally recorded by Hank Williams (?) in 1952
Hear Elvis's version on: A Profile CD 3: Lake Charles 4/5/75 (unofficial release)
A question mark on this Hank Williams original. Surely everyone knows that Jambalaya and Hank are inseparable, with his studio recording dating from 13 June, 1952. Maybe so, at least with that title, but Jambalaya is based on a slightly earlier number by Julius Lamperez, recording under the name Papa Cairo And His Boys, in 1949. The original title was "Big Texas", so perhaps "Jambalaya (On The Oilfield)" would have been more appropriate.
Jingle Bells recorded by Elvis on 1959 (1960?);
Informal
Written by: J. S. Pierpont
Originally recorded by Edison Male Quartette in 1898
Hear Elvis's version on: Home Recordings
Pierpoint wrote the number as "The One-Horse Open Sleigh" in order to cheer up the local Sunday-school evening meeting. The 1898 recording was issued on an Edison brown wax cylinder, number 2218.
Elvis can be heard playing a snatch of the song on piano prior to "I Asked The Lord."
Johnny B. Goode recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 24 August 1969;
Concert
Written by: Berry
Originally recorded by Chuck Berry in 1958
Hear Elvis's version on: Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite; Elvis In Concert
Chuck wasn't above being influenced: it's well known that his "Maybellene" was based on the much older "Ida Red", for example. His guitar playing in Johnny B. Goode, especially the fantastics runs, are similar to those used by Freddy Slack in his 1942 recording of "I Got A Break Baby," on which the guitar was played by T-Bone Walker; its opening, on the other hand, is a note-for-note version of Carl Hogan's lead in Louis Jordan's "Ain't That Just Like A Woman." Let this not detract, however, from the pure poetry of Chuck's lyrics. mmmm On 20 August, 1977, just a few days after Elvis's death, a Voyager rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral, carrying a gold disc with messages for any aliens that might find it. Two pieces of music were included, a movement from a Beethoven string quartet, and Chuck Berry's version of Johnny B. Goode. Perhaps the aliens will also sing "Roll Over, Beethoven"! Elvis covered numerous Berry numbers — see also Brown Eyed Handsome Man; Long Live Rock and Roll (School Days); Maybellene; Memphis, Tennessee; Promised Land; Too Much Monkey Business.
Joshua Fit The Battle recorded by Elvis on Monday, 31 October 1960;
Studio
Written by: arr. Elvis Presley
Originally recorded by Harrod's Jubilee Singers in 1924
Hear Elvis's version on: His Hand In Mine; Amazing Grace (CD 1)
Harrod's Jubilee Singers recorded the number as "Joshua Fought The Battle of Jericho" in September 1924, released on Paramount 12116. A more famous recording was by Paul Robeson in 1925, titled "Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho" and was released in 1925 on Vic 19743. It is also indicated as "Joshua Fought The Battle of Jericho" and "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho." The number is invariably listed as "Traditional" or "Traditional African American," or something similar, but I have found at least one indication of it having been written in 1865—presumably this refers to the first publication of the words (and music?). Interestingly, the Harrod's Jubilee Singers' version is listed as having been composed by Jay Roberts.
Judy recorded by Elvis on Monday, 13 March 1961;
Studio
Written by: Redell
Originally recorded by Teddy Redell in 1960
Hear Elvis's version on: Something For Everybody; From Nashville to Memphis (2)
Redell was born Teddy DeLano Riedel on 7 June, 1937, in Arkansas, USA. His early recordings, dating back to 1952, seem to have been unissued, with his first releases dating only from 1960 or perhaps a bit earlier. Most releases were under the name of Redell, though a 1967 single, probably his final one, used his real name. "Judy" was released as the B-side of "Can't You See" on Atco 45-6162 in March 1960.
Just A Closer Walk With Thee recorded by Elvis on ca. 1956;
Informal
Written by: unknown
Originally recorded by Selah Jubilee Singers in 1941
Hear Elvis's version on: Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Czech CD on Memory label)
This gospel number was probably recorded in the studio in 1956 by Elvis; a home recording also exists, made in Waco in 1958. There is some speculation that "Tell Me Why," recorded by Elvis in 1957 (see below), was also based on this tune. It is thought that "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" is a comparitively recent song, perhaps dating from the evangelical crusades of the 1930s, though its origins have already been lost. Red Foley's 1950 recording was one of the first religious hits in Country music (see also "When God Dips His Love In My Heart.") Although the original of "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" was made by the Selah Jubilee Singers on 8 October 1941 (Decca 7872), the number is most associated with Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who recorded her own version on 2 December 1941 (Decca 8594). Sister Rosetta Tharpe was born Rosetta Nubin in 1915. She started using her artist's name in the mid-1930s and had her first hits with Decca in 1938. Tharpe toured with Marie Knight in the 1940s and early 1950s, when they also ventured into blues. Perhaps this is how Knight got the idea for her "Tell Me Why" with which "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" is so associated. Sister Rosetta Tharpe died in 1973.
Just A Little Bit recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 22 July 1973;
Studio
Written by: Thornton; Bass; Washington; Brown; Thompson
Originally recorded by Tiny Topsy in 1959
Hear Elvis's version on: Raised On Rock; Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 4
Tiny Topsy pipped Rosco Gordon to the post to come up with this original, recorded in early 1959 in Chicago and released that same year on the Federal label, possibly Federal 12357. Before her recording career, Tiny Topsy sang with Al Smith's 8-piece jazz/R&B club band, which was formed in Chicago in 1945. This group broke up in 1952 without having been recorded. Topsy's recording career started in 1957 on the Federal label, but she recorded relatively few numbers. She probably recorded no more than a dozen sides before her recording career ended in 1962. Rosco Gordon's better-known version of "Just A Little Bit" was also made in 1959, just one month after Topsy's recording. Rosco Gordon died in July 2002. Tiny Topsy's fate is unknown. UK fans might remember a version of "Just A Little Bit" by The Undertakers, recorded in 1964 and their only hit.
Just A Little Talk With Jesus recorded by Elvis on Tuesday, 4 December 1956;
Informal
Written by: Derricks
Originally recorded by Stamps Quartet in 1938
Hear Elvis's version on: The Complete Million Dollar Session
The Reverend Cleavant Derricks was born in 1910 at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He studied at Cadek Conservatory of Music in Knoxville and at the State University and American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville. He wrote more than 300 songs, including "Just A Little Talk with Jesus," which he copyrighted in 1937as "Have a Little Talk With Jesus," and "When God Dipped His Love In My Heart," both recorded by Elvis. The original Stamps Quartet was formed in 1924 by Frank Stamps and signed a recording contract with RCA in 1927. The Stamps went through various personnel line-ups throughout the coming years. Early in the 1970s the Stamps, headed by bassman J.D. Sumner, started working as Elvis's backing vocalists. Elvis visited the Sun studios on December 4th and ended up in a jam session which has become legendary as the "Million Dollar Quartet." Actually, the quartet was a trio (Johnny Cash, the fourth, was present while pictures were being taken, but left before the recordings started): Elvis, his friend Carl Perkins, and new Sun artist Jerry Lee Lewis. The three ended up in an informal jam session, which Sam Phillips wisely committed to tape. Most of the numbers sung were, like "Just a Little Talk/Walk with Jesus," gospels.
Any earlier version? Did Derricks record the song in 1937? contact me.
Just Because recorded by Elvis on Tuesday, 14 September 1954;
Studio
Written by: Robin
Originally recorded by Nelstone's Hawaiians in 1929
Hear Elvis's version on: Elvis Presley (Rock 'n' Roll No.1); The Complete 50's Masters 1
Cliff Carlisle's "You'll Miss Me" is subtitled "(Just Because)"and is perhaps the semi-original version of "Just Because." The tune of a march called "Washington and Lee Swing" from 1910 is also a clear influence. The first "real" version, however, seems to be that of Nelstone's Hawaiians. The group consisted of Hubert Nelson (vocal and steel guitar) and James D. Touchstone (vocal and guitar), both from southern Alabama. The Shelton Brothers' version of "Just Because" was a big hit on the Decca label in 1935 and was listed with writers Shelton, Shelton and Robin—don't know why, as it is clearly the same number as that of Nelstone's Hawaiians!
Just Call Me Lonesome recorded by Elvis on Monday, 11 September 1967;
Studio
Written by: Griffin
Originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1953
Hear Elvis's version on: From Nashville to Memphis (3)
Surprisingly little is known about Rex Griffin, though he was quite a prolific writer of country songs. His early numbers were influenced by his admiration of Jimmie Rodgers. He recorded 36 tracks for Decca between 1935 and 1939. Griffin was born in 1912 and is believed to have died in 1959. Eddy Arnold recorded "Just Call Me Lonesome" on 30 December, 1953 (RCA 6198), closely followed by Red Foley on 6 January, 1954 (Decca 29626). Both versions were released at about the same time in August 1954. Eddy Arnold died in May 2008.
Just Let Me Make Believe recorded by Elvis on ca. 1966;
Informal
Written by: Blackwell
Originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1966
Hear Elvis's version on: From The Bottom Of My Heart Vol.2 (unofficial release)
The big question is, however, is it really Elvis singing on the recording?! If it is, then he is certainly not taking lead vocal. Former Elvis body-guard/security advisor Dick Grob claimed that Elvis gave him this home recording, which Grob put up for sale in the mid-1990s.
Keep Your Hands Off Of It recorded by Elvis on Friday, 5 June 1970;
Studio
Written by: Foster
Originally recorded by Billy Hughes And His Pecos Pals in 1946
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 3
Others identify far older numbers as the original, including for example, Coot Grant and Kid Wilson's 1932 "Keep Your Hands Off My Mojo" and Leadbelly's "Keep your Hands Off Her" (along with numerous other candidates, too many to list). None of these, however, match in tune or lyrics the song that Elvis sang, even if the sentiment might be similar. Both this number and "Got My Mojo Working" seem to come from the same root, the one developing more in the Country area, the other (Mojo) in the R&B area. The 1946 release "Take Your Hands Off It (Birthday Cake)" by Billy Hughes And His Pecos Pals, a Country Swing with very suggestive lyrics, approaches the number performed by Elvis and so is tentatively suggested as the original.
Keeper Of The Key recorded by Elvis on Tuesday, 4 December 1956;
Informal
Written by: Stewart; Howard; Devine; Guynes
Originally recorded by Wynn Stewart in 1956
Hear Elvis's version on: The Complete Million Dollar Session
Wynn Stewart began recording in 1954 for the Intro label. By 1956 he had moved to Capitol, where he recorded Keeper Of The Key, a number he had helped to write. Stewart died in 1985. Elvis sings only background vocals on this number, the lead being taken by Carl Perkins.
Known Only To Him recorded by Elvis on Monday, 31 October 1960;
Studio
Written by: Hamblen
Originally recorded by Stuart Hamblen in 1952
Hear Elvis's version on: His Hand In Mine; Amazing Grace (CD 1)
Numerous artists, including The Statesmen, have recorded this gospel favourite. Jake Hess, lead singer with The Statesmen, sang this number at Elvis's funeral. Stuart Hamblen was a film actor and popular radio personality. He wrote a number of gospels, including "It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)," also recorded by Elvis.
Lady Madonna recorded by Elvis on Monday, 17 May 1971;
Studio
Written by: Lennon; McCartney
Originally recorded by The Beatles in 1968
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 3
In his book "The Originals", Arnold Rypens professes to recognise elements of the Humphrey Lyttleton Band's 1956 EMI recording of "Bad Penny Blues" (notably the piano) in "Lady Madonna". The Beatles recorded their "Lady Madonna" on 3 February 1968.
Lawdy Miss Clawdy recorded by Elvis on Friday, 3 February 1956;
Studio
Written by: Price
Originally recorded by Lloyd Price in 1952
Hear Elvis's version on: The Complete 50's Masters 2
Price was born in 1933. He formed his own group in 1949 in New Orleans and in 1952 was signed to Specialty Records in Los Angeles. "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" was his first hit, becoming an R&B number 1 in 1952, featuring Fats Domino on the piano. Price's career was interrupted by military service between 1954 and 1956, after which he set up his own record company before moving to ABC-Paramount, where he became a popular rock'n'roll artist with his first hit, "Stack-O-Lee" (a version of "Stagger Lee," also included in this list). After 1959 Price's popularity diminished, though he continued recording until 1976.
Lead Me, Guide Me recorded by Elvis on Monday, 17 May 1971;
Studio
Written by: Doris Akers
Originally recorded by Doris Akers in 1954
Hear Elvis's version on: He Touched Me; Amazing Grace (CD 2)
Doris Akers was born in 1923. She wrote her first gospel song when she was just 10 years old (Keep The Fire Burning In Me). In additiion to Lead Me, Guide Me, Doris Akers also wrote the Elvis favourite "Sweet, Sweet Spirit." Doris died in 1995.
Let It Be Me recorded by Elvis on Tuesday, 17 February 1970;
Concert
Written by: Delanoë; Bécaud
Originally recorded by Gilbert Bécaud in 1955 (as Je t'Appartiens)
Hear Elvis's version on: On Stage; Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 5
Originally a French number, dating from 1955, the first English version was recorded in 1957 by Jill Corey and Jimmy Carroll, as "Let It Be Me". Many more followed...
Let Me Be There recorded by Elvis on Wednesday, 20 March 1974;
Concert
Written by: Rostill
Originally recorded by Olivia Newton John in 1973
Hear Elvis's version on: Moody Blue; Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis
John Rostill was a former member of the famous British guitar group, The Shadows. He died in 1973, aged just 31. See also If You Love Me (Let Me Know). Olivia Newton John is a right mixture: she was born in England of a Welsh father and a German mother; she was taken to Australia when she was 5 years old. After winning an Australian talent contest, she moved back to England in 1965 to try for a career in entertainment. After a not too auspicious start, she finally made the big time, with "Let Me Be There" being the real turning point.
Life recorded by Elvis on Saturday, 6 June 1970;
Studio
Written by: Milete
Originally recorded by Shirl Milete in 1969
Hear Elvis's version on: Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 1
Milete recorded his own pretentious number for his own LP, released on Poppy 40,005 and titled simply "Shirl Milete." The number was also released as a single by Milete that same year. There is a distinct melodic similarity between this number and another Milete composition, "My Little Friend," which Elvis had recorded in 1969.
Lighthouse recorded by Elvis on Friday, 31 March 1972;
Informal
Written by: Hinson
Originally recorded by The Original Hinsons in 1971
Hear Elvis's version on: The Complete On Tour Sessions Vol. 2 (unofficial CD)
Ronny Hinson wrote this modern gospel in 1970 and recorded it with his own group the following year. The song went on to win numerous gospel music awards. Elvis's version is an informal recording, never intended for release.
Like A Baby recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 3 April 1960;
Studio
Written by: Stone
Originally recorded by Vikki Nelson & Sounds in 1957
Hear Elvis's version on: Elvis Is Back!
Jesse Stone often wrote for the Clovers and Elvis recorded his "Down In The Alley," which they also recorded. Vikki Nelson had just a few recording sessions for several labels between1952 and 1961, resulting in a mere six single releases.
Listen To The Bells recorded by Elvis on Thursday, 20 May 1971;
One-liner
Written by: Abernathy
Originally recorded by The Statesmen Quartet in 1951
Hear Elvis's version on: A Hundred Years From Now (Essential Elvis Vol.4)
This number was probably first recorded by The Statesmen, who released it as the B-side of Capitol 1582 in 1951, coupled with "I Wanna Be Ready." The writer, Lee Roy Abernathy, was considered the best gospel pianist of his time. He played with several gospel groups, incuding the Miracle Men's Quartet and wrote numerous gospel numbers, including "Wonderful Time Up There," for which he is perhaps best known. The five-member inappropriately-named Statesmen Quartet was one of Elvis's favourite groups and included Jake Hess and Hovie Lister, both big influences on Elvis's style. Hess went on to form the Imperials, singing on Elvis's "How Great Thou Art" album. He would later sing at Elvis's funeral. Elvis's version consists of just an unidentified few lines sung informally before take 9 of "It's Only Love."
Little Cabin On The Hill recorded by Elvis on Thursday, 4 June 1970;
Studio
Written by: Monroe; Flatt
Originally recorded by Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys in 1947
Hear Elvis's version on: The Complete Million Dollar Session; I'm 10,000 Years Old: Elvis Country; Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 3
The title on the label of Bill Monroe's recording was "Little Cabin Home On The Hill." Elvis's first recorded version of this number was made on December 4th 1956, when he imitated Bill Monroe during the Million Dollar Quartet session.
Little Darlin' recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 24 April 1977;
Studio
Written by: Williams
Originally recorded by The Gladiolas in 1956
Hear Elvis's version on: Moody Blue
Writer Maurice Williams was leader of The Gladiolas. Ernie Young recorded the Gladiolas' version after having asked them to sing their worst song. Elvis seems to have enjoyed the song a lot: not only did he sing it during concerts, when he clearly had great fun with the number, performing it very tongue-in-cheek, but he also sang it at home and several informal recordings of such performances exist, the earliest dating from 1958.
Little Egypt recorded by Elvis on Monday, 2 March 1964;
Studio
Written by: Leiber; Stoller
Originally recorded by The Coasters in 1961
Hear Elvis's version on: Double Features: Viva Las Vegas & Roustabout; Roustabout; Command Performances - Disc 2
The Coasters, one of THE groups of the 50s and early 60s, recorded many Leiber and Stoller numbers. "Girls! Girls! Girls!" was another Leiber and Stoller number that both the Coasters and Elvis recorded.
Long Black Limousine recorded by Elvis on Monday, 13 January 1969;
Studio
Written by: Stovall; George
Originally recorded by Vern Stovall in 1961
Hear Elvis's version on: From Elvis in Memphis; From Nashville to Memphis (4)
Wynn Stewart recorded "Long Black Limousine" in 1958, though this original version was not released until May 2000, when it appeared on the "Wishful Thinking" box set (Bear Family numberBCD 15886). Writer Vern Stovall released his own verion in 1961 on Crest 1080. The number has been recorded by numerous country stars, including Glen Campbell (1962), Jody Miller (1968), Bobby Bare (60's), Rose Maddox (1962) and George Hamilton IV (60's).
Long Live Rock And Roll (School Days) recorded by Elvis on Friday, 6 June 1975;
Concert
Written by: Berry
Originally recorded by Chuck Berry in 1957
Hear Elvis's version on: Unsurpassed Masters 4: Las Vegas Hilton 13/12/75
"School Day" or "School Days"? Well, both are used, but the original was released as "School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes The Bell)". The "Long Live Rock And Roll" title that RCA provides is either through ignorance or because Elvis sang merely a part of Chuck Berry's excellent song. If the latter is the case, they might have done better to go with the better-known line "Hail, hail rock and roll!" Berry recorded the anthem on 21 January 1957. Elvis covered numerous Berry numbers — see also Johnny B. Goode; Brown Eyed Handsome Man; Maybellene; Memphis, Tennessee; Promised Land; Too Much Monkey Business.
Thanks to all the people who have provided feedback and additional information that I've been able to use to improve this site and its contents: Garth Bond (UK?), Sebastiano Cecere (Italy), Chris Deakin (UK), Stig Ericsson (Sweden), Joop Jansen (Netherlands), Torben Jensen (Denmark), Robin Jones (Saudi Arabia), Bob Moke (USA), Henk Muller (Netherlands), Rami Poutiainen (Finland), Aad Sala (Netherlands), Trevor Simpson (UK), Leroy Smith (Netherlands), Kris Verdonck (Belgium). If I've forgotten anyone, please forgive me!
The best site for other originals is probably The Originals Project
My information for Elvis fans
Search my pages of information for Elvis Presley fans:
For questions and comments about this page, contact me.
Statement of copyright
All original work presented here is copyrighted by the author.
All Rights Reserved.
This means do NOT reproduce without prior permission.
For further information contact me.
View My Guestbook
Sign My Guestbook
