Elvis Presley – Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello

Introduction:

Alright, folks, gather ’round and let’s take a trip back to 1962, a pivotal year in American music. The counterculture was simmering, the sound of Motown was captivating the nation, and over on the radio waves, a familiar voice still held undeniable sway: the one and only Elvis Presley.

Now, Elvis’s career in the early 60s wasn’t quite the meteoric rise of the 50s. Rock and roll was evolving, branching out into new sounds and styles. But Elvis, ever the chameleon, was adapting. He was still pumping out hits, but alongside them, he was venturing into films and exploring a broader musical spectrum.

That’s where a song like “Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello” comes in. Released in July of ’62 as the B-side to the more commercially successful “She’s Not You,” “Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello” is a hidden gem in Elvis’s vast catalog. It wasn’t a chart-topper, but for those who appreciate the finer points of Elvis’s artistry, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a specific moment in his career.

The songwriting duo behind the track, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, were no strangers to crafting Elvis hits. They’d penned classics like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog,” and here, they deliver a simple yet effective ballad. The instrumentation is light and understated, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar and a subtle backing band. The focus is squarely on Elvis’s voice.

Now, some might argue that “Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello” doesn’t showcase the full power of Elvis’s legendary pipes. There’s no rockabilly swagger, no heart-stopping belt. Instead, he delivers a nuanced, almost conversational vocal performance. There’s a vulnerability in his voice, a hint of longing that resonates deeply.

The lyrics tell a relatable story of a lovestruck fellow named Jim, pining for a woman who might not even remember him. He asks a friend to simply pass on a message, a heartfelt “hello,” hoping it might rekindle a connection. It’s a simple story, but Elvis imbues it with a quiet desperation that tugs at the heartstrings.

“Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello” might not be the most well-known Elvis song, but for those who appreciate his versatility and his ability to deliver a powerful performance even in a stripped-down setting, it’s a true treasure. It’s a testament to his enduring legacy as a singer who could captivate audiences with both raw energy and heartfelt emotion. So, put on your blue suede shoes, metaphorical or otherwise, and prepare to be serenaded by the King himself in a slightly different light.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello”

She’s sitting right over there
I’d know that face anywhere
I’d run up and embrace her
But I’m ashamed to face her
Just tell her Jim said helloI’d like to pour out my heart
But I don’t know where to start
I’d like to tell her
What I’m really feeling but
Just tell her Jim said helloJust tell her Jim said hello
Just tell her Jim and she’ll know

Don’t tell her I’m feeling blue
That’s just between me and you
Don’t say I’m thinking of her
Don’t tell her I still love her
Just tell her Jim said hello

Just tell her Jim said hello
Just tell her Jim said hello
Just tell her Jim said hello