Elvis Presley – Ready Teddy

Introduction:

Elvis Presley’s version of “Ready Teddy” is a high-energy rock and roll classic that further solidified his status as a musical icon. Originally written by John Marascalco and Robert Blackwell, the song was first recorded by Little Richard in 1956, making it a cornerstone of the rock and roll genre. Richard’s wild, up-tempo style perfectly captured the energy of the era, but it was Elvis’s cover later that same year that brought the song to a wider audience.

Presley’s rendition, released shortly after Richard’s version, gained enormous popularity due to his dynamic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956. That night, Elvis’s electrifying presence reached over 60 million viewers, one of the largest television audiences in history, making the performance of “Ready Teddy” a defining moment for both the song and Elvis’s career. His blend of Southern charisma, vocal prowess, and the rebellious spirit of rock and roll resonated deeply with fans, propelling both the song and his own fame into the stratosphere.

While “Ready Teddy” was already a hit thanks to Little Richard, Elvis’s version added his signature style and mainstream appeal, ensuring its lasting impact on rock and roll. His performance of the song is now remembered as one of the key moments in rock history, as it helped cement the genre’s place in American popular culture.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Ready Teddy”

Ready set go man go
I got a gal that I love soI’m rea-dy rea-dy rea-dy teddy
I’m rea-dy rea-dy rea-dy teddy
I’m rea-dy rea-dy rea-dy teddy
Rea-dy rea-dy rea-dy to
Rock’n’roll

Going down to the corner
Pick up my sweetie pie
She’s my rock’n’roll baby
She’s the apple of my eye, ’cause

Flat top cats and the dungaree dolls
Are headed for the gym to the sock hop ball
The joint is really jumping
The cats are going wild
The music really sends me
I dig that crazy style ’cause

Gonna kick off my shoes
Roll up my faded jeans
Grab my rock’n’roll baby
Pour on the steam
I shuffle to the left
I shuffle to the right
I’m gonna rock’n’roll
Till the early early night ’cause