Elvis Presley Songs And Lyrics

The single, with its B-side "Treat Me Nice", was a US #1 hit for 7 weeks in the fall of 1957, and a UK #1 hit for three weeks early in 1958. The song, which is an example of simple verse form, eventually sold two million copies in the US, thus earning a Double Platinum certification by the RIAA.


Also in 1957, "Jailhouse Rock" was the lead song in a EP (extended play single), together with other Leiber and Stoller compositions, namely "Young and Beautiful", "I Want to be Free", "Don't Leave Me Now", and "(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care". It topped the Billboard EP charts, eventually selling an additional two million copies and earning another double-platinum RIAA certification.


About the Song


Some of the characters named in the song are real people. Shifty Henry was a well known LA musician (and not a convict). The Purple Gang was a real mob, not a rhythm section. "Bugsy" was probably Bugsy Siegel, the Jewish gangster.


"Sad Sack" was a World War II US army nickname for a loser, and a popular comic strip.


The song was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.


As noted by Rolling Stone magazine (which later ranked the song #67 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time), there are parts of the lyrics that may represent talk about homosexual relationships between inmates:


Number forty-seven said to number three

You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see

I sure would be delighted with your company

Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me.


On the other hand, many see this as a lighthearted reference to forced environmental improvisation, as reflected in the next verse:


Sad Sack was a sittin on a block of stone

Way over in the corner weepin all alone.

The warden said, hey, buddy, don't you be no square.

If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair.

After all:


Everybody in the whole cellblock, was dancing to the jailhouse rock.

"Jailhouse Rock" was performed regularly in a medley along with many old rock'n'roll hits by Queen and was the opening song on Queen's 1980 North American tour for The Game. It was the last song in the motion picture The Blues Brothers. This song was featured on American Idol when contestant Taylor Hicks performed it on May 9, 2006. The song was also featured in Disney's animated film Leroy & Stitch during the ending credits.


The Residents


Mötley Crüe


Blues Brothers


ZZ Top


Twisted Sister


John Cougar Mellencamp


Michael Bolton


Jeff Beck Group (featuring Rod Stewart and Ron Wood)


Adriano Celentano


Carl Perkins


Cliff Richard As A Live Show


ABBA with Olivia Newton-John and Andy Gibb


David Lebón


Queen


German rock group Spider Murphy Gang is named after one of the characters in the lyrics, "Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone."


1. 1 on the US charts


2. 2 on the Canadian charts


3. 33 on the UK charts


"Jailhouse Rock" was the top-selling record for 25 years & also reached number one in versions by:


John Stump (UK)#1


Carl Perkins (US) #1



Visit this link & enjoy the lyrics to Jailhouse Rock
"Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock: King of Rock'n'Roll autobiography "

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Melbourne, Australia, on the 10-10-2006 I experienced one night with the King.
Elvis Presley' New Concert Tour and the TBC Band.



WOW, this night I have been waiting for, is now finally here.



Coming from a small country town, to the big smoke (Melbourne) to see the one I adore in concert, Elvis Presley and his TBC Band in Concert.



I feel so lucky to have such an opportunity, knowing this will be as close as I'll ever be to feel the tremendously electrifying experience of what it was like at one of his concerts.



Well, for starters the traffic was absolutely crazy. All parking at the Rod Lavar Arena and surrounding area was totally packed, police were controlling and directing traffic.



Finally after quite a walk to the Arena, I was in the door although a little after the start of the Concert. But I made it, and wow the feeling was just magical.



As I looked up to the stage, there he was. So handsome with that rich glow of natural warmth, his wonderful voice touching the whole crowd. Every word was like a love potion over the entire audience.



The TCB Band was absolutely perfect. The magic among them was outstanding, although the Boss is gone the TCB Band standby and honour this man, their friend to the end.



The crowd held nothing back, many of us found it extremely hard to control our movements. It was really hard to just sit there and clap along, while Elvis' voice was flowing through your veins, with his lyrics touching your heart.



He is truly the perfect entertainer and performer, his sense of humour and showman ship is so natural.



Is it any wonder Elvis is still so popular today, his talent stands strong and continues to out weigh the test of time. This man is an inspiration to us all.



Getting back to my night with Elvis:


I must admit there were moments through the concert it felt like Elvis was in body up there on that stage, it was an unbelievable feeling. How real it all was.



The strength of the band was present all the way, they were just spectacular.
How it must have been for them to be apart of such a wonderful mans fame. The TBC band at times showed signs of true emotions while honouring his memory in concert.



Giving the Australian fans a touch of how it was when Elvis was alive, and many like my self only ever dreamed of any such opportunity.



I would like to thank all those concerned for making it possible for the Aussie Fans, here in the Land Down Under to be part of such an honour and cherished experience, I know will be treasured for ever.



I would also like to say hi to Frank and his wife, who I sat next to at the concert, also a special hi to their 4 year old son who is already a huge Elvis Presley Fan.
Long live the King of Rock And Roll.



Download the book version of "Elvis Presley Forever" with his life story in full

Elvis, 1968
The song "If I Can Dream", made famous by Elvis Presley, was a large part of his foray into gospel music. He used his rock and roll style and appeal to bring messages with meaning to him to his fans.

Singing these types of songs, with a popular ballad-like resonance, helped him incorporate several gospel hits to his repertoire. Among all of his songs, he had a love for gospel, as he considered himself deeply religious. This song in particular, was one of his personal favorites.

History
Songwriter W. Earl Brown was asked to write a song to replace "I'll Be Home For Christmas" as the grand finale on NBC's "Elvis" (June 20-23, 1968). He wrote "If I Can Dream," and when Elvis heard it he proclaimed "I'm never going to sing another song I don't believe in. I'm never going to make another picture I don't believe in."

Elvis would sing "If I Can Dream" from his heart. Yet, the band-related errors prevented the first take from becoming the master. It was one of his dearest songs.

"If I Can Dream" recorded June 23, 1968, was allegedly lip-synched by Elvis on both shows. "Elvis -TV Special." It was then first released as single - If I Can Dream/Edge Of Reality - in November 1968. It peaked on Billboard's Hot 100 at #12 for 13 weeks, one million plus sales.

Click the link to enjoy the lyrics to this beautiful song
"Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream: King of Rock'n'Roll autobiography