Elvis Presley – I Got A Woman “1970”

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “I Got A Woman”. Now that’s a song that takes us on a journey, doesn’t it? Released in 1970, it wasn’t quite a new tune for Elvis by then. The original recording, a scorcher by Ray Charles, came out in 1954, practically laying the foundation for what we now call soul music. But Elvis, that masterful interpreter, made it his own in the 1950s, injecting it with his signature rock and roll swagger.

This 1970 version, however, holds a special place in the Presley pantheon. It marked his triumphant return to live performance after a long hiatus focusing on Hollywood movies. Elvis, the electrifying stage presence, was back, and “I Got A Woman” became a staple in his Las Vegas residency shows. It wasn’t just about reliving past glories, though. This rendition pulsates with a renewed energy, a testament to Elvis’s enduring charisma and his ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape.

By 1970, rock and roll had morphed and branched out. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Creedence Clearwater Revival were pushing boundaries with a harder-edged sound. Elvis, ever the astute performer, incorporated some of that grit into his live shows. This “I Got A Woman” throbs with a driving rhythm section, the guitars packing a heavier punch compared to the sunnier rockabilly feel of his earlier versions. His iconic sidekicks, Scotty Moore on guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums, are still there, but their playing reflects the times, laying down a groove that’s both familiar and refreshingly contemporary.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Elvis without his soulful vocals. Here, they’re a masterclass in controlled passion. He doesn’t need to scream and gyrate like he did in his younger days. Instead, he delivers the lyrics with a knowing wink and a confident growl, letting you know just how good he feels to be back in his element. There’s a playful urgency in his voice, a man determined to make every note count. It’s a performance seasoned by experience, yet still brimming with an infectious energy.

“I Got A Woman” in 1970 wasn’t a chart-topping single, but its significance goes far beyond mere commercial success. It’s a snapshot of Elvis Presley at a crossroads, a testament to his ability to evolve and recontextualize his sound. It’s a song that bridges the gap between his rock and roll roots and the burgeoning sounds of the 70s. Most importantly, it’s a electrifying reminder of why Elvis Presley remains the King – a performer who could take a song, make it his own, and ignite a stage with his sheer presence. So, when you press play on this 1970 version of “I Got A Woman,” you’re not just listening to a song, you’re experiencing a moment in music history, a testament to the enduring power of the King himself.