Introduction:
“Like a Baby” is a blues song penned by renowned songwriter Jesse Stone, who also wrote hits like “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” The track was first recorded by Vikki Nelson in 1957 and later by Priscilla Bowman in 1959. Elvis Presley recorded his rendition on April 3, 1960, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, during his first post-army recording sessions.
This session marked a significant return for Presley, as it was his first major recording endeavor after serving in the U.S. Army. The session featured esteemed musicians, including Scotty Moore on electric guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, Hank Garland on six-string bass guitar, Bob Moore on double bass, Floyd Cramer on piano, Boots Randolph on saxophone, and backing vocals by The Jordanaires.
“Like a Baby” was featured on the album “Elvis Is Back!”, released on April 8, 1960. This album showcased Presley’s versatility, blending genres such as rock, rhythm and blues, and pop ballads. Critics noted a newfound depth and sophistication in his voice, reflecting his artistic growth during his hiatus.
The song itself is a slow blues number that highlights Presley’s emotive vocal delivery and his ability to convey deep emotion. While not released as a single, “Like a Baby” contributed to the album’s success and is appreciated by fans for its raw intensity and bluesy authenticity.
Over the years, “Like a Baby” has been covered by various artists, including James Brown and the Famous Flames, who released their version as a single in 1963, reaching No. 24 on the R&B charts.
Presley’s rendition of “Like a Baby” remains a testament to his deep roots in blues music and his commitment to exploring diverse musical styles throughout his career.