Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “From A Jack To A King”. Released in 1970, this track nestled comfortably on the acclaimed album “From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis”, a project that marked a significant return to Elvis’s roots in rockabilly and soulful Southern blues. This wasn’t just a commercial success, mind you – it was a critical darling, lauded for its raw energy and Presley’s powerful vocals.
But before we delve into the song itself, let’s rewind a bit. By 1969, Elvis Presley was already a decade into his phenomenal career. The young firebrand who had ignited the music scene in the mid-fifties with his electrifying blend of rock and roll and R&B had become a global icon. However, the late sixties found him navigating a period of transition. Hollywood musicals had dominated his recording output for a while, and some critics felt his sound had softened.
“From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis” signalled a welcome change. Here, Elvis reclaimed the grit and passion that had propelled him to superstardom. Recorded at the legendary American Sound Studio in Memphis, the album was a return to his collaborative Memphis sessions, a stark contrast to the more polished studio productions of the previous years. This time around, the focus was on capturing the spontaneity and energy of live performance.
The production team behind the album deserves a mention as well. Chips Moman and Felton Jarvis, both seasoned veterans of the Memphis music scene, helmed the project. Moman, known for his stripped-down, raw recording style, was instrumental in giving the album its signature authenticity.
“From A Jack To A A King” perfectly exemplifies this newfound direction. It’s a cover of a country song originally written and performed by Ned Miller in 1957. While Miller’s version leaned towards a classic country sound, Elvis injects it with a dose of rockabilly swagger. The instrumentation is tight and uncluttered, featuring the unmistakable twang of a country guitar alongside a driving rhythm section. Elvis himself delivers a captivating vocal performance, his voice brimming with a playful confidence that perfectly complements the song’s theme.
So, there you have it. “From A Jack To A King” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy. It’s a song that showcases not only his phenomenal vocal talent but also his ability to seamlessly blend genres, breathing new life into an existing country tune. It’s a prime example of the raw energy and infectious spirit that made Elvis Presley the King of Rock and Roll.
Video:
Lyrics:
“From A Jack To A King”
I’ve played a ace and I won the queen
I walked away with your heartFrom a jack to a king
With no regrets I stacked, I stacked the cards, I stacked the cards last night
And lady luck played her hand just right
You made me king of your heartOh for just a little while I thought that I might lose the game
Oh but just in time I saw that twinkle in your eyes
From a jack to a king of loneliness to a wedding, wedding, wedding ring
I played an ace and I won the queen
You made me king of your heartFor just a little while I thought that I might lose the game
Oh but just in time I saw, I saw that twinkle in your eyes
From a jack to a king from loneliness to a wedding, wedding, wedding ring
I played an ace and I won the queen
You made me king of your heart