Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s iconic rendition of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” from his legendary 1968 Comeback Special. This performance marked a pivotal moment in Presley’s career, a return to his rock and roll roots after a period dominated by Hollywood musicals and soundtrack recordings.
For those unfamiliar, the Comeback Special, formally titled Elvis, was a televised event that aired on NBC in December 1968. It served as a powerful reminder of Presley’s raw talent and charisma, qualities that had arguably been overshadowed in the preceding years. The show stripped away the glitz and theatricality, opting for a more intimate setting with a stripped-down band. This format allowed Elvis to reconnect with the music that had initially propelled him to superstardom.
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do” wasn’t an original Presley composition. It was a blues standard written and originally recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1956. However, Elvis’s interpretation injected the song with a potent blend of energy and vulnerability. The performance crackles with a raw sexuality that was a hallmark of his early work. His voice, though perhaps not possessing the youthful innocence of his Sun Studio recordings, had matured into a powerful instrument capable of conveying a deep yearning and emotional intensity.
The driving force behind the music was the legendary rhythm section of Scotty Moore on guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums. These two musicians were instrumental in shaping the sound of early rock and roll, having been Presley’s original backing band during his meteoric rise to fame in the mid-fifties. Their reunion on the Comeback Special stage was a masterclass in pocket playing and blues improvisation. Their tight interplay provided the perfect foundation for Elvis’s impassioned vocals.
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do” wasn’t a chart-topping single, nor was it intended to be. Its significance lies in its role as a symbolic and artistic triumph. The song’s success was measured not in record sales, but in its critical acclaim and its impact on reigniting Presley’s career. The Comeback Special, and “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” in particular, marked a return to form for the King of Rock and Roll. It showcased a revitalized Elvis, one hungry to reclaim his musical throne and recapture the magic of his early days. The raw emotion and unbridled energy on display in this performance continues to resonate with audiences today, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Elvis Presley’s legacy.