Elvis Presley – A Big Hunk O’ Love

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “A Big Hunk O’ Love”. Released in 1959, this track serves as a prime example of the electrifying Rock and Roll that captivated the world and cemented Presley’s status as the King of Rock and Roll. Now, buckle up, because “A Big Hunk O’ Love” is a sonic journey that transcends its brief runtime.

Composed by Sid Wyche and Aaron Schroeder, the song emerged during a unique time in Presley’s career. Drafted into the US Army in 1958, his recording opportunities were limited. However, during a single session in Nashville, Tennessee, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” was born. Produced by the ever-present Steve Sholes, with backing vocals by the legendary Jordanaires, this song stands as a testament to Presley’s ability to ignite a studio with his raw talent, even amidst the constraints of military service.

While some of Presley’s early hits leaned heavily on the country influences of his upbringing, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” bursts forth with pure, unadulterated Rock and Roll. The driving rhythm section, anchored by a pounding bass line and a crisp snare drum, lays the foundation for Presley’s signature rhythmic guitar work. Listen closely, and you’ll hear the unmistakable echo of Scotty Moore’s fingers dancing across the strings, a sound that defined an era.

But “A Big Hunk O’ Love” isn’t just about the instrumentation. It’s about Elvis. His voice, at this point in his career, was a potent blend of youthful exuberance and burgeoning maturity. He effortlessly navigates the playful lyrics, his playful drawl dripping with an unmistakable charm. There’s a touch of vulnerability in his pleas for “a big a big a big a hunk o’ love,” a vulnerability that would become a trademark of his later ballads, but here it’s laced with a playful wink.

This song wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a commercial success as well. Though it wasn’t released on a 78 RPM record in the US (a format nearing its twilight), it became a hit single, particularly in Canada, where it was released alongside “My Wish Came True” on a 78 RPM disc. “A Big Hunk O’ Love” stands as a marker in Presley’s career, a song that bridged the gap between his early rockabilly sound and the more mature rock and roll he would explore in the coming years.

So, the next time you hear the opening chords of “A Big Hunk O’ Love,” take a moment to appreciate the confluence of factors that made it such a landmark recording. It’s a testament to Presley’s undeniable talent, the tight musicianship of his band, and the cultural shift that Rock and Roll was bringing to the world. It’s a song that may be short in length, but its impact on music history is undeniably big.

Video:

Lyrics:

“A Big Hunk O’ Love”