Recommendations of the Editorial team
While Elvis Presley’s musical work in the fifties and sixties was primarily characterized by rock’n’roll and later by soulful ballads and orchestral hymns, the singer maintained a deep love of country music throughout his life. Particularly in the 1970s, Presley dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the genre. His last number one hit was on the country list: “Moody Blue” (1977). Here are the seemingly immortal singer’s best country moments.
Blue Moon of Kentucky (1954)
The B-side of Presley’s first single for Sun Records, “It’s All Right,” finds the future king of rock ‘n’ roll at his point of origin. In the summer of 1954, rock’n’roll was still closely intertwined with country.
Just a few months after his 19th birthday, Presley was at his best. Free from constraints, playful and wild. With Scotty Moore’s guitar and Bill Black’s hillbilly backbeat, he raced into the future at high speed. His voice fluctuates between a gentle whisper and howling rebellion. “Blue Moon of Kentucky” was a breakthrough. Proof for Presley and Sun boss Sam Phillips that the miracle could happen again.
She Thinks I Still Care (1977)
In 1976, Presley had a mobile studio set up in Graceland to record his final sessions in his Jungle Room. In his familiar, if ostentatious surroundings, he recorded several country songs. Including “Moody Blue”, his last number one hit.
He also interpreted hits by other country greats such as Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson and George Jones. In particular, his version of “She Thinks I Still Care,” the B-side of “Moody Blue,” is heartbreaking. When he sings the line “Just because I’m not the happy guy I used to be,” he offers a real insight into the life of an increasingly isolated man.
I Forgot to Remember to Forget (1955)
This was Presley’s most traditional country track on Sun Records. And at the same time his first number one hit on the country charts. Written by Stan Kesler and Charlie Feathers, the song is country in form. But very Elvis style.
With Moore’s guitar, which sounds like a pedal steel, and Presley’s smooth voice, a bittersweet sound is created. The song is both an apology and a farewell. Carried by attitude and self-confidence. By the time he reached the top of the charts in early 1956, Presley had already signed with RCA. The world was at his feet.
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (1973)
“I want to sing a song that’s probably the saddest song I’ve ever heard,” Presley said on his 1973 “Aloha From Hawaii” TV special, before singing Hank Williams’ classic. In Presley’s interpretation, the song becomes the purest form of pain. He slows the pace, stretches every word and turns the piece into an agonizing lament. A studio recording was never officially released. The live version remains the definitive and most moving performance.
Gentle on My Mind (1969)
After his filmic lull in the 1960s, Presley made a comeback with his 1968 TV special. 33 years old, free and confident, he returned to Memphis to record the album “From Elvis in Memphis.”
Between soul and rock, his rousing version of John Hartford’s “Gentle on My Mind” stands out. A hit for Glen Campbell two years earlier. With strings, choirs and funk punch, Presley gives the song sparkle and verve. A superstar who was ready to conquer the world again.