Introduction:
(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame, a true gem from the crown jewel that was Elvis Presley’s 1961. Now, for those unfamiliar with the finer points of American rock and roll history, let me paint a little picture.
Elvis in ’61 was a force unlike any other. He’d already conquered the hearts of teenagers across the nation with his electrifying blend of rockabilly, blues, and gospel. His hips shook, his voice soared, and his charisma was undeniable. But 1961 marked a shift. The initial rebelliousness of the mid-fifties had softened somewhat, and Elvis was venturing into a more polished, vocally driven sound.
(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame perfectly embodies this transition. Released in August of ’61, it wasn’t Elvis’ first rodeo with the song. Originally penned by songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, it had seen a less successful release by Del Shannon earlier that year. But when it landed in the hands of Elvis and his producer, Steve Sholes, something magical happened.
Sholes, a rising star himself, understood the nuances of Elvis’ evolving sound. He recognized the song’s potential for showcasing Elvis’ powerful vocals and the yearning, lovelorn persona that was captivating audiences.
The result? A chart-topping sensation. (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame climbed its way to number four on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its appeal went beyond the dedicated fanbase Elvis had already cultivated. It even found a comfortable spot on easy listening stations, a testament to its crossover potential.
Now, let’s delve a little deeper into the song itself. The track opens with a driving, almost hypnotic Bo Diddley beat. This rhythmic foundation, characterized by its emphasis on the offbeat, provided the perfect canvas for Elvis’ impassioned delivery. The Jordanaires, Elvis’ ever-present backing vocal group, add their signature rich harmonies, creating a tapestry of sound that’s both sophisticated and undeniably catchy.
But it’s Elvis’ voice that truly steals the show. He inhabits the lyrics, conveying the emotions of a lovesick man with a vulnerability that resonates with the listener. The song chronicles the narrator’s obsession with a woman named Marie, painting a picture of his longing and desperation. It’s a familiar theme, yet Elvis imbues it with such raw emotion that it feels fresh and captivating.
(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame stands as a landmark in Elvis’ career. It showcases his artistic growth, his vocal prowess, and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. It’s a song that transcended genre and generation, solidifying Elvis’ place not just as a rock and roll icon, but as a true musical powerhouse. So, sit back, crank up the volume, and prepare to be swept away by the timeless sounds of Elvis Presley and (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame.
Video:
Lyrics:
“(Marie’s The Name Of) His Latest Flame”
‘Cause he was telling everyone in town
Of the love that he’d just found
And Marie’s the name of his latest flameHe talked and talked and I heard him say
That she had the longest blackest hair
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
And Marie’s the name of his latest flameThough I smiled the tears inside were a-burning
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cryWould you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She’d be mine eternally
And Marie’s the name of his latest flameThough I smiled the tears inside were a-burning
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cryWould you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She’d be mine eternally
And Marie’s the name of his latest flame
Yeah Marie’s the name of his latest flame
Oh Marie’s the name of his latest flame